videogamescritic
← all outlets
Nerdburglars
57

Nerdburglars

Press107 reviews on recordTrust score from 36 scored reviews vs. playerswebsite ↗

matches players
Bias
within ~10 pts
Vs player sentiment
-0.09
Ranks like players
36
Games compared

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.

45
Alignment (40%)
70
Decoded accuracy (30%)
52
Player-side (30%)

Controversy record: on 6 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 2 times.

Computed 26m 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 (65 tracked)

  • 85
    The Stanley Parable: Ultra DeluxeMay 19, 2025 · Dan Hastings

    The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is a thought-provoking narrative game that masterfully explores themes of choice and free will through clever humor and unique endings. While the expansion offers new content, some find it underwhelming, and the pacing can be slow at times. Despite a few less polished moments and a lack of traditional mechanics, the game's engaging storytelling and absurdist themes make it a distinct experience that captivates players.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    AtomfallMar 21, 2025 · Dan Hastings

    Atomfall delivers a refreshingly unique post-apocalyptic experience set in the eerie yet charming British countryside. With rich level design, engaging exploration, and an innovative heart-rate-based stamina system, it stands out from its genre peers. While the game falters slightly with clunky menus, odd facial animations, and some questionable design choices around skills and fast travel, its charm and depth make it a must-play for Fallout fans. It's a bold and atmospheric survival-action game that punches well above its weight.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    Horizon Zero Dawn™ RemasteredNov 4, 2024 · Dan Hastings

    Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers stunning graphics and engaging combat mechanics set in a richly built world. However, it suffers from frequent bugs, control issues, and repetitive gameplay that can detract from the experience. Despite these drawbacks, improvements in voice acting and accessibility are notable.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    Rise of the RoninMar 21, 2024 · Dan Hastings

    Rise of the Ronin presents a deep and complex combat system set against the backdrop of Japan's Bakumatsu period, offering a unique blend of historical immersion and challenging gameplay. However, its ambitious mechanics are somewhat overshadowed by an overwhelming tutorial system, lifeless urban environments, and inconsistent voice acting. Despite these drawbacks, the game rewards players who persevere with a richly rewarding combat experience, especially through its intricate parry system.

    read full review ↗
  • 75
    Assassin's Creed MirageOct 26, 2023 · Dan Hastings

    Assassin's Creed Mirage takes a step back to focus on the franchise's stealth roots, and it does offer an enjoyable experience despite its hiccups. While the stealth gameplay could use some refinement and the graphical fidelity falls short of expectations, the pared-down character management and emphasis on strategy add a layer of depth often missing from bigger, broader RPGs. It's clear that Mirage could have benefited from a bit more polish and attention to detail. If you're a fan of the series or enjoy stealth-focused games, Assassin's Creed Mirage might be worth your while, but go in knowing it's not flawless.

    read full review ↗
  • 95
    Marvel's Spider-Man 2Oct 16, 2023 · Dan Hastings

    Spiderman 2 for the PlayStation 5 emerges as a spectacular leap in the superhero gaming genre, intertwining the fates of Miles Morales and Peter Parker in a narratively rich and visually stunning rendition of New York City. While it majestically flaunts the capabilities of next-gen gaming with its seamless, detailed, and immersive environment, it slightly entangles itself in a web of excessive player guidance, notably in puzzle-solving and navigation, somewhat stifling the satisfaction derived from natural discovery and challenge. Despite this, with its robust storyline, impeccable world-building, and tactically diverse combat system, Spiderman 2 gracefully swings into the gaming spotlight, providing an engrossing and largely triumphant experience for ardent fans and casual gamers alike.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    Hogwarts LegacyMar 7, 2023 · Dan Hastings

    Hogwarts Legacy gives us the best wizarding world experience we have ever had in a video game. You get to have the full Hogwarts student experience with free roam of the castle and grounds. There are so many fun side quests and activities to enjoy while also hunting for secrets and mysteries in the environment. The story is a little dull and some enemies can be bullet sponges but it does not spoil the fantastically magical adventure that this game offers.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    Atomic HeartFeb 23, 2023 · Dan Hastings

    Atomic Heart has delivered a world overflowing with creativity and artistic flair that is rivalled by the likes of Bioshock. The highly political story may not appeal to everyone but it is an incredibly interesting take on an alternative history that quickly absorbs you into the madness. The game falls short when it comes to the overall progression. The tacked-on open-world elements deliver more frustration than anything with infinitely respawning bots and very little of interest to see. Atomic Heart has the potential to be something incredible but is held back by a few, often frustrating gameplay elements.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    God of War RagnarökNov 3, 2022 · Dan Hastings

    God of War Ragnarock paints a more authentic vision of Norse mythology that really sets it apart from the more glamorous portrayals we are familiar with. The subtle ways Kratos tries to "be better" combine to form an enlightening evolution of a man that was once nothing more than an instrument of war. Unfortunately, the combat is not nearly as flawless as the story with aspects such as dodging and switching weapons lacking responsiveness. This is not the next-gen experience you might be waiting for but it doesn't stop it from being one of the most impressive games in the series and a satisfying conclusion to the Norse saga.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    The Last of Us™ Part IAug 31, 2022 · Dan Hastings

    Last of Us Part 1 delivers visual quality that is beyond what you would expect from a remaster. The graphical detail surpasses that of the second game making it one of the best-looking games on PS5. Unfortunately, some of the more clunky mechanics for evading or choking out enemies remain that are a little frustrating. Overall, combat is intense and exciting with the same heart-punding interactions with clickers. For newcomers, this remaster is a real gem and a must-have. Unfortunately, outside of the graphical improvements, there is little else to justify the full price tag for those who have already played the previous remaster.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    POSTAL: Brain DamagedJun 15, 2022 · Dan Hastings

    Postal: Brain Damaged provides plenty of laughs with the wild selection of weapons and your ability to urinate on anything at a moment's notice. Jokes aside, while the combat is fast-paced and fun, like many retro shooters, the levels just feel a bit dull. While the initial suburbs level gives you a feeling that this may be something a little different, it quickly jumps back to the generic sewers and grimy old buildings that we saw far too many 2000s-era shooters rely on. Combined with a constant lack of ammo, you never really get to do the kind of blasting you would like.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    Soda CrisisMay 31, 2022 · Dan Hastings

    Soda Crisis has all the makings of an epic, modern tribute to some classic action side scrollers like Metal Slug. Instead of building a bigger, badder experience, you will get some slick controls and high octane combat smushed into tiny levels that never work together to build a larger picture. Soda crisis is just a series of mini levels, no better than the likes of Angry Birds but is presented with the guise of a fully fleshed-out action-adventure. Once you get stuck into the meat, you will find there is very little on offer here after the first 30 minutes.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    DEADCRAFTMay 26, 2022 · Dan Hastings

    Deadcraft is not a bad game but because it tries to do so much and does it all to a bare minimum, there is very little that is going to impress you. Everything just feels so basic and many mechanics feel like they are implemented just enough to tick a box but not enough to provide the player with anything new and exciting. At its core, Deadcraft is just a grind fest from start to finish with nothing noteworthy to entertain you along the way.

    read full review ↗
  • 100
    Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete EditionFeb 14, 2022 · Dan Hastings

    Horizon: Forbidden West delivers everything that made the first game unforgettable and then piles on so much more. Character realism and environmental detail have been turned all the way to eleven. Every single element of this game has been crafted by perfectionists. Fighting off hordes of high tech machines keeps your heart pumping and the hugely diverse spectrum of machines to take down make you put a lot of effort into fine-tuning your approach to combat. The narrative lays down a perfect sense of urgency that drives you through a 20+ hour campaign that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Horizon: Forbidden West has raised the bar for the PlayStation 5 and is an adventure you won't forget.

    read full review ↗
  • 50
    The AnacrusisFeb 4, 2022 · Dan Hastings

    For an early access game, we cant expect The Anacrusis to be perfect. The Jetsons themed retro-futuristic setting is brimming with potential, none of which is used effectively. The bland characters fit right in with the bland soundtrack and story. It feels as though the strength came from the theme and when it came to designing the rest of the game, everyone ran out of ideas. It's a swing and a miss, quite a shame when the potential was there but could not be realised.

    read full review ↗