Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 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 stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
