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 2 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.
Recent reviews (22 tracked)
- 80SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONSOct 30, 2024
“Sonic x Shadow Generations is a consistent and polished experience that reflects the love Sonic Team has for their series and that could absolutely be called a game “made by Sonic fans, for Sonic fans.” But even though Shadow Generations shows players a glimpse into the future, it falls short of being the future itself by being tied to the past through Sonic Generations. It’s a step in the right direction for sure, but with one foot forward and the other backward, it’s difficult to, in good faith, see Sonic x Shadow Generations as a “revival” or a full-on “evolution.” So, though it may provide diehard fans with the time of their life and the disillusioned with just enough hope to keep on going, it doesn’t quite reach the peak needed for it to be a defining moment for the series.”
read full review ↗ - 90TRIANGLE STRATEGYMar 10, 2022
“Square Enix has created yet another incredible world that practically begs for sequels, prequels, or spin-offs. Action-packed strategic battles, a well-orchestrated gripping narrative with replayability due to its multiple paths and endings (plus the convenient inclusion of the NEW GAME+ mode after completing your first playthrough), and complex yet easy to learn and understand polished mechanics make this latest 2D-HD entry from producer Tomoya Asano an easy recommendation for Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 90MONSTER HUNTER RISEMar 23, 2021
“With renewed accessibility for newcomers and superb new features for seasoned hunters to get to grips with, Monster Hunter Rise is an enjoyable action RPG that refines many of World’s most successful mechanics. Its impressive scale on screen, combined with its sheer depth in gameplay, makes for a great portable and challenging title. Though not without its flaws, Monster Hunter Rise certainly has the potential to reach a new generation of hunters on the Switch, alongside PC players with its expected arrival on Windows systems next year. Perhaps the question is not whether you will rise to the challenge, but when? And remember, it’s not for the faint of heart.”
read full review ↗ - 80OCTOPATH TRAVELER™Jul 12, 2018
“Octopath takes the road less travelled, daring to break JRPG conventions of linearity and give players the chance to choose their own adventure. It weaves poignant tales you’d likely hear from travelling dramatic troupes, ones often expressing lament, in fantasy books of old and directs them into a new format for the modern gaming age. There’s a certain talent at work in Octopath, and it’s yet to realise its full potential. Perhaps that’s what makes it so intriguing. So, we’ll leave you this question from H’aanit’s lips: which path will you hath choosen and aren you ready?”
read full review ↗ - 80DRAGON QUEST BUILDERSFeb 7, 2018
“Dragon Quest Builders is both a great Dragon Quest spin-off and an interesting take on the somewhat overplayed sandbox genre that’s only made better on Nintendo Switch. It’s a game that can be played for hours or in shorts bursts, so it’s perfect on a portable console. While the PlayStation Vita version certainly allowed portability too, the option to effortlessly swap between a TV and a handheld is perfect for this game. It admittedly doesn’t use many other features exclusive to the Switch, but the portability is benefit enough alone. Whether or not you’ve tackled Builders elsewhere, it’s found a perfect home on Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 70Monster Hunter StoriesSep 10, 2017
“If you go into Stories expecting a true successor to previous Monster Hunter games, it may not impress. However, it’s a solid RPG with a younger demographic in mind. This certainly isn’t to say that an older fan won’t enjoy its charming story or gorgeous graphics, but it’s obviously intended as an introduction to the wider Monster Hunter world.”
read full review ↗ - 90SteamWorld HeistNov 30, 2016 · Adam Miller
“SteamWorld Heist does little to take advantage of Wii U's capabilities, but is still one of the best indie games on the system.”
read full review ↗ - 80Jotun: Valhalla EditionSep 15, 2016 · David Goncalves
“Jotun: Valhalla Edition packs a short adventure through the afterlife that's guaranteed to have your axe in your enemies and your jaw on the floor.”
read full review ↗ - 70Lovely PlanetApr 8, 2016 · Adam Miller
“Lovely Planet for the Wii U eShop delivers a fun, charming, and unique take on the FPS genre that emphasizes speedrunning and platforming over killstreaks.”
read full review ↗ - 90Mega Man Legacy CollectionFeb 23, 2016 · Adam Miller
“Mega Man Legacy Collection is a fantastic compilation, faithfully emulating the difficult NES classics while adding a staggering amount of extra content and gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 48Shadow PuppeteerFeb 5, 2016 · Kerry-Lee Copsey
“Shadow Puppeteer is an admirable attempt at a fun, unique co-operative experience, but is ultimately let down by its lack of technical polish.”
read full review ↗ - 76TerrariaJan 4, 2016 · Adam Miller
“Although not the best available version of the game, Terraria on 3DS is a great opportunity for on-the-go gamers who thrive in the exploration and freedom of sandbox crafting games.”
read full review ↗ - 98SteamWorld HeistDec 14, 2015 · Martyn Locker
“SteamWorld Heist is another huge leap forward for Image & Form. It's more than just a worthy successor: it's a magnificent showcase for an entire genre.”
read full review ↗ - 60Human Resource MachineNov 13, 2015 · Kevin McMinn
“Human Resource Machine on Wii U, while cute and humorous, is a real head scratcher — one that's better suited for players with programming experience.”
read full review ↗ - 70STARWHALNov 1, 2015 · Martyn Locker
“The Wii U eShop proves to be the perfect home for STARWHAL, as a multiplayer-focused gem; however, its lack of online modes make this one difficult to recommend.”
read full review ↗