At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience 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 series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
