Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
