Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were not good originally and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
