Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration 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 curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
