Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title 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. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless 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 "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a thin roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, 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, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
