At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
