At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, 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 tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon 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 engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
