At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, 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 garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 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 legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
