At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price 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 mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
