Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a minor annoyance. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
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, based on critics, was a vapid collection 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 complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
