Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience 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 bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
