At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes 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 departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
