The Worst Video Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their lists of the best titles of 2025. But what about the flops, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the irritating colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter encountered harsh criticism from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to channel a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the tense surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.