Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score stands as a curious oddity to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its development was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
