Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.