Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
