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

At every turn, enthusiasts are quick to share their lists of the top titles of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? Let's take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous appraisals that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon was met with overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a notable annoyance. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after years and years in development hell. The team behind it consciously chose to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, providing a distinct vote of confidence.