Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
