Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
