Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments 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 their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of content. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
