At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming 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 "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision 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 remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging 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 mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
