Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
