At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one 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
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
