Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
