At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
