Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User 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 team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
