The Worst Video Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles revives a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered harsh criticism from both reviewers and fans. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would be a warning for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its effort to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its resurrection was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. 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, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare vote of confidence.