Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
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 expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital 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 Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
