At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, 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
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience 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 dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
