How this trust score was computed
This reviewer publishes verdicts, not numbers, so trust comes from their recommend/pan calls: call accuracy (50%): when they say buy, do players end up satisfied, and when they say skip, do players agree; alignment (25%): do their recommendations sort games the way players do; and player-side (25%): on games where press and players sharply disagreed, whose side were they on. The blend is shrunk toward a neutral prior (60) so small histories can't peg the scale, and recent verdicts weigh more (2-year half-life).
Controversy record: on 4 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 4 times.
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 (30 tracked)
- 50MONARKFeb 20, 2022
“Some players might be able to put up with the annoying difficulty spikes and the barrages of personal questions to reach the rare highs, but getting that far may very well drive you to madness.”
read full review ↗ - 70Fuga: Melodies of SteelSep 14, 2021
“Even when the story reaches its climax, it still feels like the Taranis team is just going through the motions, fighting through similar waves of machines while occasionally taking a break to plant tomatoes. Fuga certainly drags on, but at the same time it’s so conceptually unique and visually charming that it's easy to forgive some of its flaws.”
read full review ↗ - 70The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IVOct 31, 2020
“As a whole, Trails of Cold Steel IV’s repetitive nature and weaker writing made this grand JRPG series end on a bit of a disappointing note.”
read full review ↗ - 60Hero must die. againMar 3, 2020
“While the presentation is nice, all the repetition makes it feel like the original mobile game was stretched out to the point where a lot of the emotional impact is lost.”
read full review ↗ - 70Virgo Versus The ZodiacFeb 3, 2020
“It’s not the most coherent story, but there’s a fascinating tale beneath the surface. Players with ambition will be rewarded for multiple playthroughs, although it’ll take plenty of patience and the versatility to see all the different outcomes.”
read full review ↗ - 80The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IIIOct 25, 2019
“Trails of Cold Steel III is a fine sequel, although the game often seems to struggling beneath the weight of its growing cast of characters and intersecting stories. As a continuation, it’s a game strictly for existing fans, who’ll get a lot out of it even if they haven’t consumed every last tidbit of Trails content.”
read full review ↗ - 80The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IIOct 15, 2019
“Though the stakes still feel too low at times, the game is focused examining the effect the war has on regular citizens, so being removed from the action at times makes sense. Trails of Cold Steel II ultimately tells a more complete and compelling story than the first game.”
read full review ↗ - 50Utawarerumono: ZANSep 18, 2019
“Even for returning fans, this is just a retread of the same plot of Mask of Deception, a short tale that doesn’t leave much left but the grind of optional missions. Sure, there’s some fun to be had in taking out armies with a colossal sparrow, but it’s something that might be more palatable at a lower price point.”
read full review ↗ - 90Yakuza 0 Director's CutJul 26, 2019
“Between the flashy combat and dramatic storyline, players may be essentially doing the same things as other Yakuza titles, but it’s presented with such ‘80s flair that Yakuza 0 stands out.”
read full review ↗ - 80KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC)Mar 5, 2019
“The lineup of locations are the strongest in the series and I adored the depiction of the Disney worlds as vast playgrounds where you can explore, battle and take selfies to your heart's content. Kingdom Hearts III exhibits quality from every expensive edge, with a presentation that matches Disney’s animated output and a phenomenal score by Square-Enix’s composers.”
read full review ↗ - 80Utawarerumono: Mask of DeceptionDec 5, 2018
“Go in expecting a chill visual novel and not a grand strategy epic, and you’ll have a good time. There’s a lot here to like, so long as you don’t mind your strategy games with more drinking parties than battles.”
read full review ↗ - 80OCTOPATH TRAVELER™Nov 6, 2018
“Tightly designed to a fault, the game's rigid structure works well to present eight different perspectives. From the way each of the characters' unique skills make exploration and combat engaging to the wonderful rhythm of the thoughtful turn-based battles, there are enough excellent ideas in Octopath Traveler that help to overlook some glaring flaws.”
read full review ↗ - 80Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of DuskOct 10, 2018
“In an RPG subgenre where the story often takes a backseat and true innovation is lacking, Labyrinth of Refrain is a standout with an emotional payoff for those willing to spend time with its reprehensible cast.”
read full review ↗ - 100428: Shibuya ScrambleSep 3, 2018
“The way 428: Shibuya Scramble is presented is unlike any other translated title, but if you value games with strong stories you owe it to yourself to not let this creative crime drama fly under the radar. Like Shibuya's scramble crossing, the events are chaotic and the passing moments between characters are sometimes fleeting, but crossing that iconic intersection is one hell of a memorable experience.”
read full review ↗ - 50Megadimension Neptunia VIIRJun 5, 2018
“The tacky VR integration in this instalment sure isn't a big leap forward for the series and the changes to the battle system make for a game that's lacking in challenge. The new characters are entertaining and some of the jokes land, but it never comes together into anything satisfying.”
read full review ↗