Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
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 publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, 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
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
