Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims 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 a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames 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 dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
