The Worst Video Games of 2025, According to Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top games of 2025. However, what of the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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 voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the irritating title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game faced widespread disappointment from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of repetitive tasks that quickly overstayed its welcome. 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 ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the same genre. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.