Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine 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 tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. 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
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
