At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title 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 "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with significant backlash from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
