Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers opted to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away 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 serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities 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 dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
