At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
