Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable 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 driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. User reviews was especially harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
