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.
- +22Overcooked! 2outlet 92 · players 70 · Aug 2018
- +24Deus Ex: Mankind Dividedoutlet 90 · players 66 · Aug 2016
- -9Cupheadoutlet 83 · players 92 · Sep 2017
- -13A Hat in Timeoutlet 82 · players 95 · Nov 2017
- +15SOULCALIBUR VIoutlet 90 · players 75 · Oct 2018
- -11Zero Escape: Zero Time Dilemmaoutlet 71 · players 82 · Sep 2017
- -21RIVEoutlet 70 · players 91 · Nov 2016
- +20Aven Colonyoutlet 80 · players 60 · Jul 2017
Recent reviews (44 tracked)
- 62BANNERMENFeb 27, 2019 · Damien King
“While Bannermen proves that it understands and can execute the basics of the modern RTS title, it fails to bring anything new to the table, feeling more akin to a game mod than a fully fledged original title.”
read full review ↗ - 53Battle Princess MadelynDec 6, 2018 · Damien King
“An interesting concept unfortunately marred by incredibly frustrating design choices, poor mechanics and directionless level design. Not recommended except for hardcore platformer aficionados who enjoy being masochistic.”
read full review ↗ - 90SOULCALIBUR VIOct 17, 2018 · Damien King
“An overdue return to glory for the series, Soul Calibur VI nails the perfect intersection of gameplay speed and technical diversity which is sure to dominate the hearts and souls of fighting game aficionados the world over.”
read full review ↗ - 64SNK HEROINES Tag Team FrenzySep 6, 2018 · Damien King
“Unapologetically simplistic and fanservice embracing, SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy plants itself firmly in the more casual corner of fighting games. Those who enjoy button mashing with friends, and find more technical fighters like BlazBlue or Tekken frustrating, may find this more comfortable.”
read full review ↗ - 77Phantom DoctrineAug 14, 2018 · Damien King
“Phantom Doctrine offers a fascinating tale of secrets and subterfuge, though you'll need to be willing to butt heads with punishing difficult to enjoy it all the way through. Veterans of turn-based tacticals who are looking for a new challenge would do well to check this one out.”
read full review ↗ - 92Overcooked! 2Aug 7, 2018 · Damien King
“Words can't do the frantic nature of Overcooked 2 justice, and that's the beauty of it. There's never been a session where we haven't had a blast playing, even when we're butting heads against tough levels that we fail several times in a row; there's not many games we can say that about. With the option of both local and online co-op, Overcooked 2 becomes one of the the best party games available.”
read full review ↗ - 78MoonlighterJul 12, 2018 · Damien King
“Great for bite-sized gameplay, Moonlighter is one of the most polished and well-tuned shop simulator/dungeon diving roguelites we've played in a long time. While the repetitive mechanics can become tiresome if playing for hours at a time, tackling the game in small chunks is a satisfying experience, and we'd recommend it as a casual game for most players.”
read full review ↗ - 75Starpoint Gemini WarlordsDec 1, 2017 · Damien King
“If you're seeking an interesting space sandbox which offers a new take on core mechanics, Starpoint Gemini Warlords is a solid contender. If, however, you're looking for thrilling, dynamic space battles you'll be better off checking elsewhere.”
read full review ↗ - 82A Hat in TimeNov 6, 2017 · Damien King
“Astoundingly charming, A Hat In Time manages to make almost every moment of gameplay a blast. Despite the occasional frustrating difficulty spike, the delightful whimsical personality of the game manages to win over even the most hardened of hearts. 3D platformer fans should definitely snap this one up.”
read full review ↗ - 81Hand of Fate 2Nov 6, 2017 · Damien King
“Part tabletop adventure, part third-person combat, <em>Hand of Fate 2</em> is an unusual amalgamation which successfully manages to let you tailor and experience a multitude of quests. Improving upon the original with more focused direction, customisation and improved combat flow, RPG and "choose your own adventure" fans should certainly take a look.”
read full review ↗ - 81The Mummy DemasteredOct 24, 2017 · Damien King
“After pushing through the first two hours of few interesting upgrades or weapons, The Mummy Demastered becomes an above-average title that tickles the fancy of those missing classic Metroid gameplay. It's not perfect, but certainly enough to whet the appetite of metroidvania fans.”
read full review ↗ - 83CupheadSep 29, 2017 · Damien King
“With a gorgeous look and some surprisingly taxing boss battles, Cuphead stylishly combines adorableness and adversity in equal measure, difficult enough to take multiple attempts while fun enough to warrant the repeated efforts. Take a look if you enjoy challenging and unusual titles.”
read full review ↗ - 94Destiny 2Sep 21, 2017 · Damien King
“Destiny 2 manages to take the criticisms of the first title — a non-engaging story, lackluster PVP UI — and improves upon them immensely, forging a fantastic journey that's essential for any gaming fan to dive into and experience.”
read full review ↗ - 93SteamWorld Dig 2Sep 20, 2017 · Damien King
“SteamWorld Dig 2 improves upon its predecessor in every way imaginable, crafting an engaging journey that keeps you playing until the end. Dig 2 proves to be the definitive mining/adventure title, and we can't wait to see where the franchise goes next.”
read full review ↗ - 68PankapuSep 19, 2017 · Damien King
“If you can look past the uneven difficulty curves, Pankapu is a relatively enjoyable platformer with fun class-switching mechanics, especially if looking for one for a younger (8-15) audience.”
read full review ↗