Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.