At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User 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*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to 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, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. 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. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
