Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
