Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
