Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User 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 competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label 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
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
