At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite 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
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
