Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. 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 turns the franchise into a town-management 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 call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
