The Worst Video Games of 2025, According to Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder takes that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in almost every category, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. For many, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward title grammar is a notable point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with widespread disappointment from both professionals and players. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a dearth of features. User reviews was especially negative, with some voicing a desire that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a cash grab than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its journey was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and undermined the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the engaging surgery games of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter 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 virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile 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 host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the sea of negativity, a tiny number of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.