At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize 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? Here is the list.
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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment 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 virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
