At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all 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
Initial reactions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler faced harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal 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 digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
