Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" 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
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose 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 noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
