The Worst Video Games of This Year, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

Everywhere you look, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the top releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as disappointing as their scores suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a sarcastic feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive 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 fighting game encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a severe lack of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some voicing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a unique gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, accepting that modern gamers might criticize its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its resurrection was more compelling than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a blockbuster GTA-style title from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of fans found value in the experience, serving as a lonely counterpoint.