Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in almost every category, especially in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and fans. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its attempt to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing 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 essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.
