At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the charming 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
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, 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 was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
