Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left in the garage.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This anthology of retro mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of content. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.
