Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop 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 seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
