Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, 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
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 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 vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
