The Worst Video Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Everywhere you look, fans are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

First impressions to this pack-in experience were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a bundled game like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring high-quality racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor annoyance. This compilation of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and feel dated with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighter was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The team behind it opted to release the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, 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, User Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.