At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
