The Worst Video Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor strike against it. This collection of retro mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score is a curious anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences 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 cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more interesting than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.