Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing punctuation is a silly point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was more interesting than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues included uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull series of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.
