At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best games of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers was met with pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a small roster of characters and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was more compelling than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
