Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
