At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull series 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, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
