The Worst Video Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the greatest releases of 2025. However, what of the flops, the underperformers? Let's take a moment to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to more generous appraisals that praised the charming software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. The consensus was that the game fell short in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring excellent racing titles. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of SNES and PS1 platforming games revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited character selection and a dearth of gameplay modes. Player sentiment was notably harsh, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would be a warning for future projects.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag seemed like a bold choice.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, finally released after a very long time in production delays. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9

Imagine the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid series of basic activities that quickly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a lonely counterpoint.