Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a curious anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was notably harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely contrast.
