Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's 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 feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
