Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
