At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
