Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize 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? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature 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
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out 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 story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
