Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation 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 were mediocre in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
