The Worst Video Games of This Year, According to Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was best left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers features a rude feline known for constant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious contrast to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was notably negative, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a rolling-collection experience didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that contemporary players might criticize its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the end product.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined 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 memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment 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 shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a dull series of simple minigames that rapidly overstayed its welcome. 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 depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct contrast.