At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with 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, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
