At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
