Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
