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

At every turn, enthusiasts are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest games of 2025. But what about the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, based on review aggregator Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as their scores 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 complimentary title like similar console launches. Professional assessment was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder reviews that noted the delightful software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a strong digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, particularly in a year featuring stellar racing experiences. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

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

Before we start: the awkward punctuation is a silly strike against it. This anthology of 1990s-era mascot platformers showcases a rude feline known for constant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score remains a baffling contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a severe lack of gameplay modes. User reviews was especially negative, with some stating a wish that the title's failure would be a warning for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its attempt to channel a rolling-collection experience was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a substantial 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 past, launched after nearly two decades in production delays. The publishers consciously chose to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, accepting that today's audiences might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its resurrection was far richer than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms included repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a unsatisfying collection of simple minigames that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a dearth of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major open-world action game from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews savaged its weak action, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Many found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the action genre. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found fun in the experience, serving as a distinct contrast.