Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
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 gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling 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. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
