At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
