Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? Let's find out.
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 complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a curious contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. 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, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
