Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title 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 scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.