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

Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the low achievers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the irritating punctuation is a notable point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with significant backlash from both critics and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited roster of characters and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to keep the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a blockbuster crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Despite the scathing reviews, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare vote of confidence.