At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact 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 more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
