At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about 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 disappointing 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 colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter 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 digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation 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 worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
