At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
