Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
