At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator 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
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
