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.
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 (14 tracked)
- 60Alwa's AwakeningJun 27, 2017 · Steven Cipriano
“Despite its imperfections, Alwa’s Awakening is an enjoyable experience. The retro art style, rich colors, and music accompany gameplay that is quaint, yet engaging. Those who grew up on the NES will find it a fine tribute to games of yesteryear and those who did not will still enjoy a pleasant, playable adventure.”
read full review ↗ - 60ThumperMay 25, 2017 · Greg Hart
“Thumper makes a huge initial impression, and is a great effort for the two man team of Drool; they obviously put a lot of love and thought into creating a unique and evocative experience. Unfortunately, the lack of distinct game play and musical score may turn off all but the most devoted completionists and challenge seekers.”
read full review ↗ - 80OneShotMay 22, 2017 · Steven Cipriano
“OneShot is a great game overall. It’s a lovely, surprisingly captivating experience that does more than enough to overcome its shortcomings. While not as revolutionary as the aforementioned Undertale or Pony Island, it borrows concepts from these games well, and molds them into an experience that is often more satisfying on the whole.”
read full review ↗ - 40Sniper Ghost Warrior 3May 18, 2017 · Johnny Wang
“Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3, in broad terms, seems to be a stripped down Far Cry 4 with more focus put into bullet ballistics. While the elements of a decent title are buried in here, there is a noticeable rough edge around everything that throws off the feel of the game. Some parts, such as the slow-mo sniper camera, seem like a cheap imitation of better titles. The lack of interesting side quests made me question if a switch to open world gameplay was the right choice. Perhaps providing a focus on smaller, well-designed maps instead of three large ones would have better fit the action-stealth genre. While the game is relatively bug free and the controls are decent, there is not much motivation to complete it due to repetitive missions and uncompelling plot. CI Games has a long track record of rather mediocre games and unfortunately this entry does not break the mold.”
read full review ↗ - 70PreyMay 10, 2017 · Kevin Hunt
“Prey has problems, but it’s still a titan of atmospheric storytelling. Despite its failings as a horror game, and despite its immense amount of technical issues (which will hopefully be patched away), it is still an engaging experience that should keep you hooked throughout. The variety in playstyle, the satisfying and unique powers and weapons, the masterfully crafted atmosphere and level design elevate Prey but it never quite reaches escape velocity, and remains pleasantly in orbit.”
read full review ↗ - 60Seasons after FallApr 13, 2017 · Steven Cipriano
“Seasons After Fall has many elements of a fantastic experience. The rich, vibrant world, excellent artistic elements, and novel environmental interactions make it worth playing. Yet as I retraced my steps searching for the next objective just out of reach, it was a fitting parallel to the game as a whole – constantly coming so close to extraordinary but falling continually short.”
read full review ↗ - 20theHunter: Call of the Wild™Apr 3, 2017 · Kevin Hunt
“I don't understand theHunter: Call of the Wild. That isn't some philosophical remark, I don't understand how to play the game. I don't understand how to hunt effectively. I don't understand how to stalk an animal properly. I don't understand why animals want to mate even after having just been shot. I don't understand why the game is so buggy. I don't understand how it could have been released in the state it is in. theHunter: Call of the Wild is a bad hunting game, and it doesn't have anything else going for it.”
read full review ↗ - 100The WitnessMar 24, 2017 · Kevin Hunt
“There is not much to say; and in no way is that a mark against The Witness. On all accounts The Witness exceeds as a puzzle game; in a visually satisfying and perfectly challenging way it presents puzzles for the player to solve. I want to rant and rave about all the puzzles I solved, I want to convene with others and pick their brains over the challenging ones, I want to describe in vast detail the great variety of challenges The Witness presents. But all of this would do a disservice to The Witness; a truly marvelous game which, to the curious problem solver, simply must be played. I wish there were more to add but there is no story, there is no soundtrack, there is no combat, there is no antagonist, there are no upgrades, there is nothing except line puzzles. And in that regard The Witness is a perfect game.”
read full review ↗ - 40VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender ActionMar 21, 2017 · Steven Cipriano
“Despite VA-11 Hall-A’s commendable ability to create an elaborate, futuristic environment via a relatively simple medium, it’s ultimately a frustrating endeavor. The unique characters are not enough to overcome the exasperating surprises and a story that tapers off. As such, VA-11 Hall-A misses an opportunity to be an engaging, memorable experience.”
read full review ↗ - 70Jotun: Valhalla EditionMar 10, 2017 · Steven Cipriano
“Despite its imperfections, Jotun is a great game. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can easily see myself being enticed back to its wondrous realms. However, it is held back by the underwhelming start and oversights related to camera and movement. It seems a bit short for the price of $15, but was worth it for the art alone.”
read full review ↗ - 80The SwapperFeb 20, 2017 · Steven Cipriano
“In most ways this game hardly shows its age (almost 4 years old at the time of this writing), sure the graphics could be slightly cleaner, but the the most important aspects (mechanics, gameplay, and puzzles) hold up quite well. In the same vein as Braid, the core of The Swapper is the geometric and logic challenges, which are not hindered by its age. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys puzzles, logic challenges, or atmospheric space games, The Swapper is a solid experience, even by 2017 standards.”
read full review ↗ - 90Titanfall® 2Dec 21, 2016 · Kevin Hunt
“For a frenetic, satisfying, and incredibly exhilarating experience no game even comes close to what Respawn have created. Most games begin as your pilot exits a dropship, sometimes with a drunk named Barker encouraging you with promises of drinks and celebration. I’ll let him have the last word: “Prepare for titanfall… I love saying that!””
read full review ↗ - 80ABZUDec 2, 2016 · Kevin Hunt
“If Abzu existed alone, it’d be in its own class. However it has a titan of non-verbal storytelling to contend with. And while in many ways it is excellent, it just can’t quite live up to what came before. However even falling short of perfection leads to greatness, and Abzu is in so many ways great. A game that is absolutely worth every penny, a unique experience, and a truly breathtaking title. If you were curious about this oddly named experience, dive down into its depths and you should find a real treasure.”
read full review ↗ - 60Grow HomeDec 2, 2016 · Kevin Hunt
“Grow Home is an endearing title. Throwing BUD around like a robotic rag-doll is a satisfying and heartwarming affair. For the price and duration it can’t be beat, a completely self-contained game that sets the expectations low and manages to deliver an amazing experience. It’s a cheap, silly, and quick experience that will leave your hands sweaty and MOM very proud of you.”
read full review ↗