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.
Controversy record: on 4 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 1 time.
Computed 6m 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.
- -14Shining Resonance Refrainoutlet 60 · players 75 · Jul 2018
- +40DYNASTY WARRIORS 9outlet 70 · players 30 · Feb 2018
- +17Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Duskoutlet 90 · players 73 · Sep 2018
- -6BERSERK and the Band of the Hawkoutlet 70 · players 76 · Feb 2017
- +18Birthdays the Beginningoutlet 75 · players 57 · May 2017
Recent reviews (33 tracked)
- 85The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold SteelMar 26, 2019 · Mankoto
“The game as a whole is still great. If you’re like me and have played the original release but missed out on the PC release and need a refresher for what’s to come this fall by all means, transfer your PS3/Vita save right over for some extra bonuses. If you’re new to the franchise, this is a great place to start.”
read full review ↗ - 75The Caligula Effect: OverdoseMar 12, 2019 · Gammalad
“The Caligula Effect Overdose has some of the most inventive combat I have ever played in a turnbased JRPG. If you can get beyond the grind a lot of the dungeons feel like and the poorly implemented social systems, you will be treated to amazing combat, great music, wonderful character interactions and a story that will really make you think.”
read full review ↗ - 75SENRAN KAGURA Burst Re:NewalJan 18, 2019 · Mankoto
“Overall, I had a really good time coming back to the series after the last entry left such a bad taste in my mouth. One might even say, my faith has been Re:Newed. Outside of some technical issues that can easily be patched out, it felt good going back to the start of the franchise with a couple gameplay tweaks. If this is meant to be a preview for how 7Even goes, I can’t wait.”
read full review ↗ - 80WARRIORS OROCHI 4Oct 16, 2018 · fofo808
“As a fan of musou games, it would be impossible for me not to recommend this game to people who might be curious about the series or veterans looking for their next button mashing fix. While more than half of the stages are lifted from the games they were originally from, a fun story, great music, and enjoyable frantic combat makes Warriors Orochi 4 a must have for any fan of these characters or franchises.”
read full review ↗ - 60NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKERSep 14, 2018 · fofo808
“Shinobi Striker is a game with a solid foundation that just needs more of everything. The combat is great, and the customization options are plenty but a lack of game modes and unbalanced matchmaking create a sometimes frustrating experience. A lacking progression system and little to no post game content bring down what could have been a great game. Hopefully, it will receive the polish and content it needs post launch but as of now it isn’t worth full price.”
read full review ↗ - 90Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of DuskSep 11, 2018 · Mankoto
“Ultimately speaking, my feelings for Coven can’t really be summed up by a simple like or love. It’s something more akin to respect. Despite everything being needlessly complex, it’s done in a way to make the game much more enjoyable rather than bogging it down.While I don’t necessarily like all of the decisions made in the game, if NIS decides to make another I’ll be one of the first to pick it up.”
read full review ↗ - 100428: Shibuya ScrambleSep 3, 2018 · Mankoto
“When all is said and done, this visual novel is absolutely incredible through and through. Again, having no VA on a console VN is a shame, but the game is just fine without it. The camera work is superb while admittingly the amount of motion blur in some shots are definitely a bit much in some situations. But other than that, I can’t give any praise higher to a work like this. The use of Live Action truly elevated what would be considered just another good visual novel. Everything here is just spectacular.”
read full review ↗ - 93Yakuza Kiwami 2Aug 23, 2018 · Gammalad
“Yakuza Kiwami 2 has easily become one of my favorite games in the Yakuza series. From the action packed story, to the overabundance of side content provided, to the ability to play as Majima again, I honestly have a game that keeps me wanting to come back for more and more, and never want to put the controller down.”
read full review ↗ - 60Shining Resonance RefrainJul 9, 2018 · Mankoto
“Considering SEGA meant for this entry to be a reboot for the franchise, this overall is a pretty mixed bag. The lore and overall storytelling they have in place is good. It’s just that they need more interesting characters.How the soundtrack is implemented into the gameplay is a really nice though. Hopefully by the time we get the next entry, some if not all of the kinks will be ironed out.”
read full review ↗ - 88Yakuza 6: The Song of LifeMar 15, 2018 · Gammalad
“. Yakuza 6 is easily the most immersive video game I have ever played, and is just a lot of fun. The amount of times I couldn't help but smile while playing this game is a testament to the fact of how much I enjoyed myself. While the game does has its flaws, SEGA has once again delivered a fantastic game that is easily one of the best games currently out this year.”
read full review ↗ - 70DYNASTY WARRIORS 9Feb 13, 2018 · fofo808
“Dynasty Warriors 9 is a bit too overly ambitious in some areas but manages to hold its own in this new re-imagining of the series. What it lacks in polish it makes up for in sheer content and fun combat. The hammy power metal coupled with some over the top anime-styled fights and a rich world to explore makes for an experience I’m surprised I enjoyed as much as I did.”
read full review ↗ - 65WARRIORS ALL-STARSNov 25, 2017 · fofo808
“Warriors All Stars is your typical Omega Force outing. While the game highlights the witty and humorous character dialogue of the smaller focused roster, newcomers would not find much here to be interested in. An energetic soundtrack, fast and visually striking combat, and a ton of replayability. While a lack of any Free Mode and some forced story repetition hold it back from its fullest potential, Series veterans and fans of Koei Tecmo games get a wonderful love letter wrapped in a 1000 K.O count birthday present of fun.”
read full review ↗ - 80Yomawari: Midnight ShadowsOct 23, 2017 · Mankoto
“In the end, as much I enjoy this game it feels too safe to a point where it almost feels manufactured and everything could almost be expected. It certainly plays to all of the original’s strengths which is cool, but at the same time it doesn’t do anything different outside of adding sub-areas and more interesting bosses.”
read full review ↗ - 75Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder™Aug 31, 2017 · fofo808
“Rock of Ages 2 improves on the first game in almost every way. Aside from mostly lackluster boss fights, and a sound design experience that doesn’t have any impact or memorability, the sequel does what every sequel should do by raising the bar on what mechanics already exist instead of trying to make a flurry of new ones nobody asked for. For a small team indie game, you can’t ask for much more than that.”
read full review ↗ - 78Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANAAug 30, 2017 · Mankoto
“If you’re a long term Ys fan, sure the story content may not be to your liking, but as it’s own thing, once the game lets you go out and explore, it’s one of the best in terms of gameplay.”
read full review ↗