The Worst Video Games of 2025, Based on Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their lists of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? Let's take a moment to examine the most panned games of the year, according to the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous reviews that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "not just a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, notably in a year featuring excellent racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left unplayed.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the awkward title grammar is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro mascot platformers revives a sarcastic feline known for incessant jokes. Critics observed that these games were mediocre originally and feel dated with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a peculiar oddity to the professional reviews.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game encountered harsh criticism from both professionals and players. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of content. Player sentiment was notably negative, with some expressing a hope that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Reviewers felt that its effort to mimic a rolling-collection feel didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to preserve the game as an period-accurate product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and undermined the game's overall experience.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major GTA-style title from a studio led by industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the action genre. Amidst the sea of negativity, a small handful of optimistic players found value in the experience, serving as a rare contrast.