At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User 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 dull assortment of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
