Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a moment 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? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact 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 resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
