Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful 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
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
