Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
