At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response 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 spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
