Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics 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 not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
