The Worst Video Games of This Year, Per Aggregate Scores
Across the internet, enthusiasts are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a moment to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, based on the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? We shall see.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
The early response to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to more generous takes that noted the polished software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland received largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with excellent racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was best left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the irritating colon usage is a minor point of contention. This collection of SNES and PS1 platforming games showcases a rude feline known for non-stop hacky one-liners. Reviewers noted that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling contrast to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based brawler faced significant backlash from both professionals and players. It was lambasted for a limited character selection and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was especially negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's poor performance would serve as a lesson for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its attempt to recreate a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Aggregate Score: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a curious artifact from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after a very long time in legal limbo. The publishers made the decision to release the game as an original experience of its time, acknowledging that today's audiences might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews concluded that the interesting history of its development was more compelling than the game itself.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on bland enemy design, monotonous stage design, and a forgettable story. A particular feature involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and detracted from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the strategic surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic virtual pet formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of engaging content.
1. MindsEye
Aggregate Score: 37, User Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a team featuring industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, dull missions, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Several found it to be a regression compared to previous-generation games in the same genre. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, providing a distinct contrast.
