At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
