The Worst Video Games of 2025, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

Initial reactions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous appraisals that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with excellent racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a minor point of contention. This collection of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a thin fighter lineup and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would have consequences for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Critics argued that its attempt to recreate a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, launched after years and years in production delays. The team behind it opted to keep the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues were repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a rare contrast.