Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. 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
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away 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 compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
