Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful 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 simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
