The Worst Video Games of the Year 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous takes that noted the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in almost every category, particularly in a year filled with excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant quips. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score is a peculiar oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game encountered significant backlash from both critics and fans. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a dearth of features. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in production delays. The publishers made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. 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 makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a high-profile GTA-style title from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.