Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some expressing a hope that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.
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 collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.
