Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a small character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
