The Worst Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Metacritic
At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the greatest releases of 2025. But what about the flops, the failures? It's time to take a moment to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing 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 showcase title 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 scathing critiques to more generous reviews that noted the charming software itself. In spite of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "not just a racing game," this simulation from studios in Germany and Poland was met with largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, notably in a year filled with excellent racing titles. Ultimately, this disappointing sim was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the confusing punctuation is a notable point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers revives a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant quips. The consensus was that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score stands as a baffling oddity to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler was met with harsh criticism from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was notably vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's poor performance would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
Based on the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price seemed like a bold choice.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, Audience Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in legal limbo. The developers made the decision to release the game as an authentic artifact of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A controversial mechanic involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and undermined the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic virtual pet formula turns the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that rapidly grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of technical problems. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct counterpoint.