At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing 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 essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
