Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, 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
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
