Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
