At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
