Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust 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 Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
