Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
