Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
