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The Game is a Lie
66

The Game is a Lie

Press77 reviews on recordTrust score from 45 scored reviews vs. playerswebsite ↗

6 below players
Bias
within ~5 pts
Vs player sentiment
0.33
Ranks like players
45
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.

67
Alignment (40%)
86
Decoded accuracy (30%)
n/a
Player-side (30%)

Controversy record: on 2 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 0 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 (61 tracked)

  • 80
    Curious Expedition 2Feb 15, 2021 · Lucca Cardoso

    Curious Expedition 2 is a great game during its first hours and expeditions, even excellent. But when there's nothing new to discover — which happens way too quickly for a roguelike — there's not much left to enjoy.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    TOHUFeb 11, 2021 · Lucca Cardoso

    TOHU is not bad, per se, but I would have enjoyed it more were it a cartoon. Its gameplay is way too simple and the solutions to its puzzles way too absurd, resulting in a game that fails to truly captivate at any moment.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    NUTSJan 28, 2021 · Lucca Cardoso

    Developed by a team working remotely, NUTS is a unique and surprisingly effective experience for what seems to be, at first, a mere squirrel-photographing simulator. The attention and care put into each and every aspect of the game are tangible, but there's no denying that more gameplay variety and some small adjustments would be ideal for this game to become a masterpiece.

    read full review ↗
  • 55
    Super Meat Boy ForeverDec 29, 2020 · Lucca Cardoso

    Super Meat Boy Forever is good enough for a bit of entertainment, but there are few reasons to play it over the original game, which is still superior in nearly every aspect.

    read full review ↗
  • 40
    CalicoDec 23, 2020 · Lucca Cardoso

    Pets, coffee and cuteness: what could possibly go wrong? Turns out, a lot. Calico proves that good intentions don't automatically lead to good products, with its short development period leading to a game that feels more and more undercooked at every turn.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    There Is No Game: Wrong DimensionDec 15, 2020 · Lucca Cardoso

    With unexpected twists, hilarious jokes, and innovative mechanics, There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension is undoubtedly one of the most eccentric and unique games ever released.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    EmbraceletDec 11, 2020 · Lucca Cardoso

    Embracelet is a virtual hug from Machineboy to anyone willing to play it. Somehow, it tells a lovely classic coming-of-age tale with a twist that makes the player feel everything and more, still without tripping on itself.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    SuperliminalJul 7, 2020 · Lucca Cardoso

    Superliminal is interesting and fun for the most part, but the repetitive mechanics and lacking originality in its story and script leave a lot to be desired.

    read full review ↗
  • 75
    Sky RacketJun 6, 2020 · Lucca Cardoso

    Sky Racket is not perfect, but its innovative ideas and impressive execution begin to pave an exciting path for the Brazilian video game industry.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    Lonely Mountains: DownhillDec 4, 2019 · Lucca Cardoso

    Lonely Mountains: Downhill is, most likely, the best BMX game released in the last few years. The attention to details is commendable and, despite some flaws, the gorgeous atmosphere and fun gameplay stand out.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    Neo CabOct 16, 2019 · Bruno Galvão

    Neo Cab asks a lot of interesting questions about precariousness, automation, social control through technology, data usage, and especially how to hold on to your humanity in a monopoly under unregulated capitalism. The execution of the game is questionable, but it can be worth it to give it a look for fans of narrative-focused experiences.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    Untitled Goose GameOct 11, 2019 · Lucca Cardoso

    Untitled Goose Game is neither deep nor thought-provoking. But it's so, so, so fun, and that's enough for what it wants to be. House House proves, once again, that they can transform any unusual idea into a one-of-a-kind experience, funny from beginning to end.

    read full review ↗
  • 65
    Creature in the WellSep 22, 2019 · Lucca Cardoso

    Creature in the Well is not memorable, but potentially really fun in parts. If you can ignore the repetition and monotony in some levels and let yourself dive into the game's captivating and beautifully-crafted atmosphere, it's possible to enjoy the experience.

    read full review ↗
  • 95
    Children of MortaSep 17, 2019 · Jonas Kretli

    When I began playing, I was not expecting anything different from other games of the genre. As the story progressed, however, both the gameplay and the smooth style of the game surprised me, ultimately leaving me considering it one of the best experiences released in the last few years.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    Headliner: NoviNewsSep 4, 2019 · Lucca Cardoso

    Headliner: NoviNews has some good intentions and can be very good during some sections of gameplay, but an oversimplified political system and lacklustre art and sound directions prevent the game from fulfilling its full potential. Having said that, it can still be a good entry point for people who want to get into the world of politics in a more meaningful way.

    read full review ↗