The Worst Video Games of This Year, Per Metacritic

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the failures? We'll take a moment to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, 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 "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in key areas, particularly in a year filled with high-quality racing experiences. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a notable annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games features a "attitude"-filled feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well originally and feel dated with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense surgery games of the past, then remove the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.