Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? 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. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating punctuation is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User 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 dull collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
