The Worst Video Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to examine the most panned 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

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing experiences. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a notable annoyance. This anthology of retro mascot platformers features a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after years and years in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to preserve 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 tale of its development was more interesting than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the action genre. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely contrast.