Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial 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 past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
