At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a minor strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both critics and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.
