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Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.