At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the top titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User 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 free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
