At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder appraisals that highlighted the delightful software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product 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 journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude 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 value in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
