At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of 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
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
