At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the charming 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, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
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 developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
