At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime 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, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare 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
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
