The Worst Video Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10

First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful series entry. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers opted to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of simple minigames that quickly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.