Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 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 repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
