Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from 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, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
