At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. 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 curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
