The Worst Video Games of 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic
Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the charming software itself. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a notable seller 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 European developers garnered largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year filled with high-quality racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing title grammar is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the mid-2000s, finally released after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be monotonous, 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 new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a rare counterpoint.
