At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The 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 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
