At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
