At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away 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 take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop 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
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
