At every turn, fans are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was 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. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
