Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller 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 European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
