The Worst Video Games of the Year 2025, Based on Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the failures? It's time to take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that praised the polished software itself. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon was met with largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a minor strike against it. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games features a rude feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a peculiar contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially harsh, with some stating a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering cute monsters. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that today's audiences might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the tale of its resurrection was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a vapid collection of repetitive tasks 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 dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major GTA-style title from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, dull missions, and a host of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.