The Worst Video Games of This Year, Based on Aggregate Scores

Everywhere you look, gamers are quick to share their lists of the best games of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to examine the absolute worst games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? We shall see.

10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour

Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience 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 bundled game like competing console launches. Critical opinion was quite mixed, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable digital seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

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

Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from Competition Company and Teyon garnered pretty unanimous reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, especially in a year filled with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this disappointing sim was better off left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

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

To begin with: the irritating punctuation is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant jokes. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The surprisingly strong user score stands as a curious oddity to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both critics and the dedicated community. It was lambasted for a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. Fan reaction was particularly harsh, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for similar releases.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the quirky Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with rounding up slime-like creatures. Critics argued that its attempt to mimic a unique gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the Xbox era, finally released after nearly two decades in development hell. The developers consciously chose to preserve the game as an period-accurate experience of its time, fully aware that today's audiences might dislike its dated design. As such, many reviews concluded that the fascinating story of its development was far richer than the game itself.

4. Salvation

Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled third-person shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A particular feature involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's enjoyment.

3. Paramedic Simulator

Aggregate Score: 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 pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the core gameplay loop to be tedious and repetitive, and the story's portrayal of serious themes 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 transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a dearth of engaging content.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Arriving as a major crime saga from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews savaged its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of technical problems. Many found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the same genre. Among the scathing reviews, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare counterpoint.