Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
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 slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment 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 virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
