At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating punctuation is a minor annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a rude feline known for incessant quips. 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 remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.