Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes 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 transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found fun in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.
