Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. 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 town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
