At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
