Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
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. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique feel 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
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
