Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
