Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
