Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest games of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 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 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 praised the polished software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor annoyance. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after years and years in production delays. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an original experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a lonely counterpoint.
