At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
