Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores 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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime 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 mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
