Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 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 free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely vote of confidence.
