Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
