Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. 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
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
