Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, 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, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
