Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
