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 28m 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 (15 tracked)
- 90Monster Hunter: WorldFeb 17, 2018 · Michael Poelzl
“Monster Hunter World does it right in almost every way imaginable. The first real must-have of the year.”
read full review ↗ - 80LOST SPHEARFeb 11, 2018 · Michael Poelzl
“Lost Sphear is a great deal for fans of old school J-RPGs. Despite its sometimes boring dungeons it has a good story and an interesting combat system.”
read full review ↗ - 80FuriJan 18, 2018 · Michael Poelzl
“Furi is like Dark Souls meets Shadow of the Colossus. Only bosses but really hard. Recommended for everyone that loves a challenge.”
read full review ↗ - 85Worms W.M.DDec 5, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“A classic with new ideas and a load of hilarious weapons. The benefit of the Nintendo Switch version: you can play Worms on the go now!”
read full review ↗ - 30Need for Speed™ PaybackNov 30, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“Need for Speed Payback with its gambling system based on speed cards instead of real car parts is pure Pay2Win. In addition the open world is empty and lifeless though there is a lot to discover in terms of racing events. The rubber band effect is really bad in this game and cops are as unrealistic as ever in the Need for Speed franchise. Last but not least is the grind which you will have to do if you want to proceed in the game. Don't touch this game – ever!”
read full review ↗ - 75SyberiaNov 23, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“Syberia for Nintendo Switch is a solid port for a 15 year old game. In some regards it hasn't aged very well but the story and beautiful places to explore are still as charming as in 2002 and the Switch's handheld mode is suited perfectly for this kind of game.”
read full review ↗ - 80Assassin's Creed® OriginsNov 15, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“It's probably the most beautiful looking game out there to date. The environment is so detailed that you won't find the same place twice. Too bad that the story is mostly boring and has no real twists or remarkable moments and it's a bit of a grind at the end. But if you enjoy the game you can easily spend 70+ hours by clearing all the side missions and hidden secrets.”
read full review ↗ - 70Stifled - Echolocation Horror MysteryNov 13, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“Stifled is an interesting take on a VR horror game. The problem is that you will start moaning stupid sounds into the microphone after a short time which can be pretty annoying. But the rest is solid and something totally new to check out.”
read full review ↗ - 75Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New MoonNov 9, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“Nights of Azure 2: Bride of The New Moon is an interesting mix of different genre. The time limit can be frustrating if you're at the very end of a dungeon or just before some teleport chamber but in the end there's enough time to complete all the objectives in the game.”
read full review ↗ - 90Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™Nov 7, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“Even though I liked the first game better it obviously is superior to its predecessor. The new Ork system 2.0 has very much improved and fighting down bug castles is a blast. The loot system should be in the game but fortunately it's not needed at all to progress nicely.”
read full review ↗ - 70Sonic ForcesNov 6, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“It's no Sonic Mania but it's not that bad either. Your kids will love it as they won't find anything appealing in Sonic Mania. So die-hard Sonic fans should avoid this game but it's perfect for your kids as it's more streamlined and goofy.”
read full review ↗ - 65The LEGO® NINJAGO® Movie Video GameNov 5, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“It's a fun game that definitely shows improvement over the last LEGO games. But the absence of the dynamic split screen and the unbelievable amount of game breaking bugs (at least on Nintendo Switch) make the game unplayable at times. Too bad because the potential was there.”
read full review ↗ - 80South Park™: The Fractured But Whole™Oct 27, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a solid sequel to The Stick of Truth. It does nothing special in particular but provides an entertaining plot lasting for about twelve hours.”
read full review ↗ - 80The Evil Within 2Oct 18, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“The Evil Within 2 is a solid horror experience but doesn't live up to the expectations after playing the first game. However, it is polished in every single aspect and provides an entertaining plot with some shocker moments. Sadly, Shinji Mikami can't fear me like the last time which was what I hoped for.”
read full review ↗ - 90Monster Hunter StoriesOct 9, 2017 · Michael Poelzl
“Monster Hunter Stories may not please hardcore fans of the franchise but definitely everyone who was always interested in the series but constantly shied away because of its complexity.”
read full review ↗