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PLAY Zine
67

PLAY Zine

Press34 reviews on recordTrust score from 300 scored reviews vs. playerswebsite ↗

4 above players
Bias
within ~7 pts
Vs player sentiment
0.50
Ranks like players
300
Games compared

How this trust score was computed

Trust blends alignment (40%): does the outlet rank games the way players do; decoded accuracy (30%): after translating the outlet's own scale habits (a '7/10 means mediocre' scale is decoded, not punished), how well its reviews predict player sentiment; and player-side (30%): on games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, whose side it took. Recent reviews weigh more (2-year half-life), and the blend is shrunk toward a neutral prior (60) so small samples can't peg the scale. Player quality is launch-window Steam sentiment, so outlets aren't punished for reviewing a launch build that later got patched.

75
Alignment (40%)
80
Decoded accuracy (30%)
48
Player-side (30%)

Controversy record: on 39 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 14 times.

Computed 44m ago · full methodology →

Outlet vs. players

Each dot is a game both this outlet and players scored. The dashed line is perfect agreement: dots above it mean the outlet was more generous than players, below it more harsh.

Biggest disagreements with players

The receipts: games where this outlet's verdict landed furthest from player sentiment.

Recent reviews (440 tracked)

  • 80

    One of Ubisoft’s greatest adventures is back, remade with modern polish while preserving everything that made the original so beloved. Sure, some outdated mission design and mechanics show their age, but the charm of emulating the pirate life still shines bright.

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  • 87
    Gothic 1 RemakeJul 10, 2026

    Gothic 1 Remake is a brutal, breathtaking return to the legendary Mining Colony. Rejecting modern hand-holding, this faithful reimagining drops you into a living, reactive world where every step must be earned and survival depends on your wits. From its rewarding, evolving combat to its stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals, it is a hardcore game tailored for true RPG purists who aren't afraid of a real challenge.

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  • 85

    The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales delivers a charming action-adventure experience that blends rewarding exploration, engaging combat, and a beautifully crafted fantasy world. While its story pacing and enemy variety occasionally fall short, the game captures the spirit of classic Zelda adventures with modern presentation and polish.

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  • 80
    007 First LightJul 10, 2026

    007 First Light successfully reimagines the world's most famous secret agent with a fresh origin story. Although parts of its narrative and mission design don't always hit the mark, the game's abundance of quality content and unmistakable Bond atmosphere make it a confident and worthy start for a new era of the franchise.

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  • 92

    Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is a narrative masterpiece that, despite clearly drawing inspiration from its spiritual predecessor, flourishes with its own maturity and originality. Despite some inconsistencies, it is a true RPG and a masterclass in writing. It is a remarkable experience throughout, surely to provide a beautiful lens looking into its world and characters.

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  • 95

    A masterclass in hardboiled atmosphere, Mouse: P.I. For Hire perfectly blends a gritty, 1950s noir narrative with a visual style that’s as sharp as a block of aged cheddar. Jack Pepper’s journey through a corruption-riddled city is a thrilling, cynical masterpiece that proves some conspiracies are simply too pungent to ignore.

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  • 85
    REPLACEDMay 7, 2026

    A masterclass in cinematic world-building, REPLACED blends breathtaking pixel art with a profound existential narrative. By trapping an AI within a human body, it delivers a gripping commentary on identity and social decay. With its fluid combat and neon-drenched melancholy, it is a landmark achievement in indie storytelling.

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  • 70

    The final chapter in Max and Chloe’s saga ended up being... just fine. The gameplay largely sticks to the familiar formula established by its predecessors, for better or worse. Still, if you’re on board with the direction Deck Nine has taken the series, chances are you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Reunion — provided you don’t run into the same technical and graphical issues I experienced on the PS5.

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  • 70
    Scott Pilgrim EXMay 7, 2026

    Scott Pilgrim EX delivers a chaotic retro-inspired adventure packed with time travel, alternate dimensions, and countless nods to classic arcade games. Its stylish pixel art, varied soundtrack, co-op gameplay, and diverse cast make for an entertaining beat-'em-up experience, though repetitive enemy waves before bosses and occasional combat frustrations hold it back from true greatness.

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  • 90
    PRAGMATAMay 7, 2026

    PRAGMATA blends heartfelt character chemistry with innovative dual-layered combat, delivering a consistently engaging and emotionally charged experience. At times, it feels like a game revealed six years ago, but it ultimately delivers on a long-made promise.

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  • 90
    SAROSMay 7, 2026

    Saros is an evolution of the basis that Housemarque built with Returnal, positioning itself as one of the best, if not the best bullet-hell shooters of all time. Despite some story pacing issues and a bit loosened, “easier” roguelite systems, It is a remarkable game - its gameplay, level design and overall feel are one of the best and it is sure to provide many fun hours of sci-fi chaos and horror.

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  • 95
    Esoteric EbbApr 9, 2026

    Esoteric Ebb is a remarkably confident CRPG that wears its Disco Elysium inspiration on its sleeve while delivering exceptional writing and meaningful player choice. Though not entirely original, its execution is polished, thoughtful, and often brilliant. One of the strongest narrative-driven RPGs in recent years.

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  • 82

    A deeper, more meaningful story makes this game the most emotional in the series. Numerous systems and mechanics, living and breathing biomes and loads of content sure are welcome, but may prove to be too overwhelming for a casual player. It feels like an overclock of the franchise, while it would benefit more from a true upgrade.

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  • 90

    Crimson Desert is a game you must get used to for it to get amazing. In the first few hours I wanted to give up. However, I persevered and I would regret it if I hadn’t. The sense of wonder, exploration and combat is top notch and scratches that Skyrim itch I’ve been having for years. The story is weaker and starts super “MMOish”, but it picks up the pace later and immerses you into a political and supernatural war between… well, everybody! By the 100th hour I still have not discovered everything nor did I finish the story, but there is not a minute of free time that I don’t spend playing this game. It pulled me in, and won’t let me go, and at this point, I don’t want it to.

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  • 76
    REANIMALMar 9, 2026

    REANIMAL feels like a natural extension to the Little Nightmares franchise. It boasts stunning visuals, strong atmosphere and several genuinely memorable moments. However, uneven pacing, a dull first chapter, clunky controls, technical issues and poor PS5 performance hold it back from true greatness. It's a good horror adventure overall, but one that's more likely to be remembered for its frustrations than its brilliance.

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