The Worst Video Games of the Year 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and players. Issues included a small character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. 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 curious artifact from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a unsatisfying assortment of basic activities that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, dull missions, and a plethora of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the action genre. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.