At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with significant backlash from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
