Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
