Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of retro platforming games features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced significant backlash from both critics and fans. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. 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 piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
