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Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 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. The assessment was that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
