Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? We'll 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 disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up 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 short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
