Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, 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. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless 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
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
