Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that praised the polished 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
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
