At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a curious oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
