The Worst Video Games of This Year, Per Metacritic
Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the charming software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing colon usage is a silly point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would be a warning for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid series 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, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.
