Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. 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. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
