At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
