Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised 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, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price 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 nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics 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 shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
