At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.
