Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the polished software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length 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, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare 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
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
