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 27 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 16 times.
Computed 25m 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.
- -26Brawlhallaoutlet 50 · players 77 · Nov 2018
- +32Wolfenstein: Youngbloodoutlet 75 · players 43 · Aug 2019
- +15Overcooked! 2outlet 85 · players 70 · Aug 2018
- +37FINAL FANTASY VIII - REMASTEREDoutlet 90 · players 53 · Sep 2019
- -49Havenoutlet 40 · players 89 · Mar 2021
- -57I, Zombieoutlet 25 · players 82 · Mar 2018
- +19Gone Homeoutlet 90 · players 71 · Sep 2018
- +12Kingdom Two Crownsoutlet 80 · players 68 · Dec 2018
- -30Road Redemptionoutlet 40 · players 70 · Nov 2018
- +13Torchlight IIIoutlet 70 · players 57 · Nov 2020
Recent reviews (251 tracked)
- 65Rune Factory 5Mar 23, 2022 · Craig Majaski
“WORTH CONSIDERING - A lack of innovation, boring exploration, and disappointing graphics make Rune Factory 5 a game you could probably skip over unless you’re a super fan of the series. Newcomers might find enough to like here, but might be better served waiting for a price drop just to make sure.”
read full review ↗ - 50RiMS RacingOct 5, 2021 · Jay Kittelson
“MEDIOCRE - While it’s the most ambitious motorcycle racing game that I have played, the limitations of the Switch and its controllers will make this a frustrating experience for many gamers. Unless you have no other choice of console and figure you can put up with the lower framerates, scaled back graphics, and difficult control because you absolutely love the sport then, by all means, give it a try because the craftsmanship of RiMS could be well worth it for you.”
read full review ↗ - 90DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROTSep 27, 2021 · Tony Matthews
“EXCELLENT - Eat, train, and fight like Goku and all the other Z Fighters now from the comfort of your Flying Nimbus! The Switch version is a great way to play through this lengthy game!”
read full review ↗ - 80Cris TalesAug 2, 2021 · Chris Laramie
“GREAT - Cris Tales is a fun game that has a great concept reminiscent of Chrono Trigger or Radiant Historia. Technical issues hold it back from truly spectacular status.”
read full review ↗ - 65Legend of ManaJul 7, 2021 · Tony Matthews
“WORTH CONSIDERING - Legend of Mana is a confusing and, at times, clunky mess of a game that is carried by its beautiful visuals and a stellar soundtrack.”
read full review ↗ - 80SnowRunnerJun 10, 2021 · Alex Knight
“GREAT - In the gaming space of off-roading playground titles, SnowRunner is the pack leader by far. Having honed their franchise for the better part of nearly 8 years, the game has some of the best terrain deformation I’ve seen, and realistic-feeling physics that truly make you engaged like you’re slogging through completely inhospitable terrain. There are some drawbacks in terms of onboarding difficulty, and some platform specifics like handheld mode being a toasty battery drain unlike I’ve ever seen before, but if the Switch is your gaming console of choice, it’s a total treat to have SnowRunner perform so well and provide countless hours through its campaigns.”
read full review ↗ - 70SLUDGE LIFEJun 2, 2021 · Tony Matthews
“GOOD - Sludge Life is a short but charming visual recreation of what the ‘90s might have looked like if you were consistently on hallucinogenic drugs and into graffiti. If you like either of those things then this might be the game for you.”
read full review ↗ - 65Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster WorldMay 28, 2021 · Craig Majaski
“WORTH CONSIDERING - Fans of the original game on the Mega Drive/Genesis will no doubt appreciate all of the hard work that went into updating Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World for the modern era. Despite its wonderful animations and enchanting soundtrack, the gameplay and level design leave a bit to be desired. The game isn’t overly long and for $34.99 it’s hard to recommend this one to anyone that doesn’t already know what they’re getting into.”
read full review ↗ - 80ManeaterMay 25, 2021 · Tony Matthews
“GREAT - If you’re looking for something meaty to sink your teeth into, Maneater is sure to satisfy your appetite for destruction - now on the go!”
read full review ↗ - 70R-Type Final 2May 4, 2021 · Craig Majaski
“GOOD - R-Type fans are sure to enjoy this new romp through space. Newcomers will be glad to see multiple difficulty options from the get-go. Although the audio-visual presentation is somewhat lacking, the gameplay is still addictive and fun.”
read full review ↗ - 80THE GAME OF LIFE 2Apr 14, 2021 · Alex Knight
“GREAT - The Game of Life 2 takes on the classic board game, and gives it a fresh look with several themes, and some updated and enticing gameplay. With the ability to play any way you like with friends, strangers, or just alone against CPU opponents on your lunch break, the game finds its footing equally with the cartoony graphics, responsive touch controls, and quick game rounds. The Game of Life 2 doesn’t disappoint for really any age group to dive in and see where life takes them.”
read full review ↗ - 60Monster Jam Steel Titans 2Mar 11, 2021 · Alex Knight
“WORTH CONSIDERING - Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 improves on its predecessor and delivers an engaging arcade monster truck experience for all ages. With a solid progression system, loads of trucks (fan favorites and more to unlock), and fictional environments to toy around in, there’s plenty of truck hopping fun to be had. You’ll have to navigate some minor to moderate grievances that may potentially effect hardcore players more so than younger kids, but we’re still talking about an enjoyable Monster Jam experience here.”
read full review ↗ - 40HavenMar 10, 2021 · Tony Matthews
“BAD - Haven introduces some nice ideas but fails to capture its core audience: people who are actually in relationships. If it can’t do that, I’m not really sure who this game is for.”
read full review ↗ - 80Little Nightmares IIFeb 9, 2021 · Craig Majaski
“GREAT - Little Nightmares II absolutely nails the dreary and hopeless atmosphere thanks to its detailed graphics and ominous musical score. Even though there’s no narration or story told through text, the game somehow manages to make you care about the main characters and want to help them escape to a better life. Unenjoyable combat and sloppy controls hold the game back from becoming what it could have been, but there’s plenty here to like to give it a hearty recommendation.”
read full review ↗ - 55Empire of SinJan 13, 2021 · Alex Knight
“MEDIOCRE - Empire of Sin wants you to be the Mob Boss in all of Chicago. From managing relationships, to hostile takeovers, running an underground economy, and with an X-Com inspired combat system layered on top for action moments, this game has all the right makings for a top-notch prohibition management game. However, the menus are cluttered, heavy, and an unnecessary time sink, and the combat is just too light with clunky opponents, making the whole experience a bit awkward for me to really love.”
read full review ↗