The Worst Video Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are quick to share their rankings of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a few moments to honor the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this showcase title were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that praised the delightful software underneath the controversy. In spite of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable strike against it. This anthology of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with gathering cute monsters. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, launched after a very long time in development hell. The developers opted to preserve the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was more interesting than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead Salvation

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and took away from the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of repetitive tasks that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its poor shooting mechanics, boring plot, and a host of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a lonely vote of confidence.