Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience 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 competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
