Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
