At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a severe lack of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.
