The Worst Video Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores

At every turn, enthusiasts are eagerly sharing their selections of the best titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews 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 shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from "crushing disappointment" to somewhat forgiving reviews that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Presented as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in key areas, notably in a year packed with stellar racing titles. 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 confusing punctuation is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score remains a baffling oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with significant backlash from both reviewers and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to keep the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues included bland enemy design, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, citing a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a blockbuster crime saga from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the sea of negativity, a few of fans found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a rare counterpoint.