Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
