Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer 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 garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
