Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics 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 not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
