At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
