At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
