Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.
