Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions 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 similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
