Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each 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 showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that quickly became boring. 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
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
