At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove 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 narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
