At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost 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 production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
