At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User 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 bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
