Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
