Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
