Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged 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 action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
