At every turn, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a thin character selection and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to preserve the game as an original artifact of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.
