Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
