Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
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 free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
