Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all 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 pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its old-school mechanics. 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, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. 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, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks 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 complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
