Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst 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 studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
