Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
