At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score remains a peculiar contrast to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included 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. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare contrast.
