Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 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 filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment 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, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
