The Worst Video Games of the Year 2025, According to Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, fans are quick to share their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? Let's take a few moments to examine the most panned games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

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

The early response to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like competing console launches. Critical opinion spanned a wide spectrum, from harsh disappointment to more generous reviews that noted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, Audience Score: 3.2/10

Presented as "beyond a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered largely negative reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game was lacking in nearly every way, particularly in a year filled with stellar racing games. Ultimately, this sputtering stinker was better off left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a notable annoyance. This collection of SNES and PS1 mascot platformers showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for non-stop quips. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter faced significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Issues included a limited roster of characters and a minimal offering of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. The assessment was that its effort to channel a unique feel ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy Neptunia game. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in development hell. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an period-accurate product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. Frequent criticisms centered on uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was universally disliked and detracted from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the treatment of mental health topics was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a town-management title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid collection of basic activities that rapidly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews savaged its weak action, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Despite the overwhelming criticism, a tiny number of positive user reviews found value in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.