Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
