Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic 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 largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
