Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost 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 Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
