Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
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 voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
