Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
