Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well to begin with and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to channel a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development 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 included repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its weak action, boring plot, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely vote of confidence.
