At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software itself. In spite 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 "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
