Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing games. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling oddity to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers consciously chose to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Scar-Lead
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.
