Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.