Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best titles of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was especially negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.
