At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer 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 European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. 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 curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
