At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, 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 overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
