At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable 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 received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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 minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
