Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection 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, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
