Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. 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 resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
