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

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that praised the polished software itself. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing title grammar is a minor strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop 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 stands as a curious contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's flop 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 Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, seeing the light of day after a very long time in development hell. The publishers opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon 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 engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.