Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User 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 complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
