Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped 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 "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost 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 Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 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 repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging 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 narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
