At every turn, fans are quick to share their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the irritating title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after years and years in production delays. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
