Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience 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 free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of retro mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired brawler encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, launched after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major open-world action game from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
