The Worst Video Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the delightful software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the confusing colon usage is a silly strike against it. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers features a sarcastic feline known for non-stop jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of content. Player sentiment was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to mimic a unique experience didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the tale of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints centered on uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of basic activities that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.