At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
