At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique feel 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 premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
