Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous 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
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes 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 digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. 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
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
