At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling 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 departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
