Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
