Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
