Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
