Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics 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 departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
