At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
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 catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
