At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that very soon 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
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
