Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, 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 "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime 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 Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. 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 turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
