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 10 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 1 time.
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.
- -28Bright Memoryoutlet 60 · players 88 · Nov 2020
- -12Assassin's Creed® Odysseyoutlet 60 · players 72 · Dec 2018
- +35Gears 5outlet 95 · players 60 · Sep 2019
- +22Far Cry® 5outlet 85 · players 63 · Mar 2018
- +24Mortal Kombat 11outlet 98 · players 74 · Apr 2019
- +37Wolfenstein: Youngbloodoutlet 80 · players 43 · Jul 2019
- +28Call of Duty®: WWIIoutlet 85 · players 57 · Nov 2017
- +20Kingdom Come: Deliveranceoutlet 90 · players 70 · Feb 2018
- +22DRAGON BALL FighterZoutlet 98 · players 76 · Jan 2018
- -20The Mediumoutlet 65 · players 85 · Jan 2021
Recent reviews (75 tracked)
- 85SAMURAI WARRIORS 5Jul 26, 2021 · Elton Jones
“Omega Force’s graphical changes and additions to the main gameplay mechanics end up getting the job done for Samurai Warriors 5. The visuals pop off the screen a lot more, the reimagined warriors you’ll unlock over time all look great, and the two new combat options keep the Musou battle royale formula from feeling stale. The usage of the series’ legacy sound effects for combat is a bit of a letdown, however. Plus the problems that come with utilizing the lock-on camera can definitely be a buzzkill. But overall, Samurai Warriors 5 offers a largely engrossing journey through the Sengoku period in playable form.”
read full review ↗ - 90SCARLET NEXUSJun 23, 2021 · Elton Jones
“As a brand new IP, Scarlet Nexus succeeds as a worthwhile experience for curious action RPG fans and anime diehards. Its overall package offers a compelling storyline, a visually splendid presentation, strong English voice work, and a soundtrack full of enjoyable tunes.”
read full review ↗ - 88BIOMUTANTMay 24, 2021 · Elton Jones
“Biomutant is a bit rough around the edges, but it largely succeeds as a fresh action RPG experience that shouldn’t be ignored.”
read full review ↗ - 98Resident Evil VillageMay 5, 2021 · Elton Jones
“Resident Evil Village stands tall as one of the best entries in the series and one of the best gaming experiences of the year.”
read full review ↗ - 88NieR Replicant™ ver.1.22474487139...Apr 22, 2021 · Elton Jones
“Nier Replicant morphs into an engrossing and deeply affecting experience that puts forth a new and improved approach to combat worth mastering.”
read full review ↗ - 78OUTRIDERSApr 10, 2021 · Elton Jones
“Outriders ends up being a surprisingly addictive experience that mixes in intense shootouts, a unique mix of class-based abilities, a healthy loot system, and a fun approach to upgrading your skills/gear. Exploring every nook and cranny of Enoch brings you to an assortment of different climates and locales, plus you’ll come to enjoy most of the personalities you’ll interact with within each one.”
read full review ↗ - 80MONSTER HUNTER RISEApr 6, 2021 · Jack Fennimore
“In designing the game with the Nintendo Switch in Mind, Capcom has crafted a condensed Monster Hunter experience. It also introduced exciting new additions and improvements to features in past Monster Hunter games that I hope are carried over into future installments because they’re just so good. However, the difficulty curve needs refining and there’s still a lot of work to do to iron out the game’s more archaic features. In conclusion, the game is as fresh and exciting as the dango you eat before battle.”
read full review ↗ - 65The MediumJan 27, 2021 · Elton Jones
“The Medium sadly joins Blair Witch as another disappointing effort from Bloober Team.”
read full review ↗ - 90Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy DXJan 26, 2021 · Elton Jones
“Ryza’s new onfield actions, the improved battle mechanics, and the deeper alchemy systems also impress in this quality sequel. Minor annoyances tied to the map layout and the more complex features attached to the alchemy system hamper the game’s overall experience a bit. But all in all, Ryza’s return is a lighthearted pleasure that is entertaining from start to finish.”
read full review ↗ - –Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold WarNov 24, 2020 · Eli Becht
“There’s a lot to enjoy here, and if you’re a person who’ll just check out the game in your free time versus grinding it for hours on end, you’ll like it. If you are somebody who likes to dedicate whole days to playing CoD with your friends, then you might quickly find yourself wanting to find something else to play.”
read full review ↗ - –Assassin's Creed ValhallaNov 19, 2020 · Eli Becht
“There are many things to see in this game that you’ll miss out on if you plow through it, so try to take some time to explore this beautiful game. Whether you’re on current-gen or next-gen, there’s a lot to love here. I will say that playing it on the Xbox Series X after spending time on the Xbox One X, the difference is just night and day from 30 FPS to 60.”
read full review ↗ - 60Watch Dogs®: LegionNov 12, 2020 · Jack Fennimore
“Watch Dogs Legion, like most of Ubisoft’s big budget games, is disposable – a value-sized bag of chips. The gameplay experience is pleasurable and addicting by nature, making you want to play even if you don’t feel like it. And when you get sick of it, you just throw it away.”
read full review ↗ - 60Bright MemoryNov 10, 2020 · Elton Jones
“As a playable teaser for Bright Memory: Infinite, Bright Memory sadly underwhelms. Some of its default control methods feel unwieldy, your foes take far too much damage to put down, and the completion time tied to it is extremely short. While its combat mechanics and graphical output shine, the litany of issues present within Bright Memory will keep you from enjoying yourself for too long. Here’s hoping that Bright Memory: Infinite irons out all the kinks and realizes its full potential in 2021. You might be better off watching a playthrough of this teaser and waiting for the full release instead of ruining your hype for it by playing this disappointing first episode.”
read full review ↗ - 75Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit RemasteredNov 7, 2020 · Elton Jones
“As a remaster, this one falls a bit below today’s standards in two key areas. The graphics don’t look that much better than they did back in 2010. And the unchanged open-world free roam option is still a total waste of time. Hot Pursuit Remastered has a ton of fun things to do and feels great when it’s time to hit the road. It’s just a bit of a letdown when it comes to its graphical enhancements and the fact that its longstanding issues remain intact.”
read full review ↗ - 88Yakuza: Like a DragonNov 4, 2020 · Elton Jones
“Yakuza: Like a Dragon largely succeeds at moving the series forward in a bold new direction. Kasuga and his band of unlikely heroes are incredibly interesting and make it so easy to care about their crazy antics. The new main locale is massive and plays host to so many compelling things to do. Getting wrapped up in everything Like a Dragon has to offer is worth it and you’ll easily pour 30+ hours into its captivating tale. The turn-based battle system works in parts, but its annoying character placement issues and faulty summons system keep it from being a total victory. Like a Dragon is still worth hopping into if you’re looking for an amazing parody of RPG tropes, however. It’s a Yakuza sequel that signals a bright future ahead for the beloved franchise.”
read full review ↗