Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system 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
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
