The Worst Video Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic
Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top titles of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to recognize the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a notable strike against it. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small character selection and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was particularly negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-art roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was widely panned and undermined the game's enjoyment.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the strategic medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *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 poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.
