Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted 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, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
