Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced 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 "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong 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 was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly 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 engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
