Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
