2 hours ago
Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the most panned games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a thin character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.
6. Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.
