The Worst Video Games of the Year 2025, Based on Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, gamers are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the top games of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as their scores suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from studios in Germany and Poland received pretty unanimous reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, particularly in a year packed with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating title grammar is a silly point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a rude feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling contrast to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game encountered widespread disappointment from both professionals and fans. Complaints centered on a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially negative, with some stating a desire 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 quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to recreate a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its short length combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to keep the game as an original product of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included bland enemy design, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of serious themes 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 minigame collection title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Several found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a lonely contrast.