Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
