The Worst Video Games of This Year, According to Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, 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 "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good to begin with and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a peculiar anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its development was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

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 worst titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a major open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.