Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, 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
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
