At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience 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 bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. 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 its subject matter 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 transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
