Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable 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 Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
