At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.
