Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software itself. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope 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 quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
