Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag 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 Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities 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, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
