Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off 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 notable strike against it. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
