At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment 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, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
