At every turn, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
