Across the internet, fans are quick to share their selections of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
