Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
