Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, 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
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
