Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
