At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
