Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
