Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with stellar racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a rude feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
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 repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes 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 virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
