At every turn, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience 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*. 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 a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics 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 something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
