At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 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 developers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
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 were bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
