Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience 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 made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
