The Worst Video Games of 2025, Per Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the top games of 2025. But what about the disasters, the low achievers? It's time to take a few moments to examine the lowest-rated games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Let's find out.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

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

Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a bundled game like similar console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving takes that praised the delightful software itself. Despite the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this underwhelming entry was advised to be left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

First things first: the irritating colon usage is a notable point of contention. This anthology of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good to begin with and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighter encountered significant backlash from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a small roster of characters and a minimal offering of features. User reviews was particularly vitriolic, with some voicing a wish that the title's flop would serve as a lesson for future projects.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a worthy series entry. Its brief runtime combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a resurrected relic from the past, finally released after years and years in development hell. The developers opted to keep the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its development was far richer than the actual gameplay.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Players found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, per critics, was a unsatisfying series of simple minigames that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5

Arriving as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic commercial failure. Reviews heavily criticized its weak action, dull missions, and a host of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of optimistic players found fun in the experience, offering a rare contrast.