At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
