Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment 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 transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
