Across the internet, fans are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? Let's 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 bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics 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 digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
