At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, 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 "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to recreate a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The team behind it consciously chose to keep the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
