Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
