Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
