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 22 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 4 times.
Computed 1h 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.
- +43Total War: WARHAMMER IIIoutlet 91 · players 48 · Mar 2022
- +43Company of Heroes 3outlet 88 · players 45 · Apr 2023
- +19Cyberpunk 2077outlet 91 · players 72 · Dec 2020
- +25Halo Infiniteoutlet 86 · players 61 · Dec 2021
- +27STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor™outlet 90 · players 63 · Apr 2023
- -55The Complexoutlet 28 · players 83 · Aug 2020
- +20DOOM Eternaloutlet 95 · players 76 · Apr 2020
- -41SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shakeoutlet 45 · players 86 · Feb 2023
- -16PowerWash Simulatoroutlet 75 · players 91 · Mar 2023
- +23Back 4 Bloodoutlet 80 · players 57 · Oct 2021
Recent reviews (196 tracked)
- 78Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora™Dec 6, 2023 · Jake Su
“As far as we are concerned, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is more than a serviceable open-world action-adventure experience, made better for fans who cannot get enough of James Cameron’s masterful sci-fi franchise. That said, for an adventure on a distant moon, it continually hints at a potential to do things differently and with a dose of freshness, but retreats into well-trodden territory to bring us crashing back to Earth. There is always going to be a fascination with the Na’vi, but you just might find yourself backing the RDA this time around.”
read full review ↗ - 76Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His NameNov 10, 2023 · Jake Su
“At the end of the day, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name feels like a bonus adventure that would whet the appetites of fans even more for Infinite Wealth, designed specially to fill in the Kazuma Kiryu gap. Learning more about the popular character and catching up with him is always a good thing, but other than the combat, everything else feels a little stale and too familiar. There is still a decent amount of entertainment to be found in both The Castle and Sotenbori, just don’t expect the same level of polish that comes in the mainline games.”
read full review ↗ - 78RoboCop: Rogue CityNov 7, 2023 · Jake Su
“For what it’s worth, RoboCop: Rogue City takes no prisoners when it comes to translating the old action movies onto modern gaming platforms, matching the violence with the kind of attention to detail that makes us believe in the existence of this crime-riddled future Detroit. Being RoboCop is a fantasy that comes to life in all the best ways, delicately balancing the combat-heavy sequences with an interesting levity that comes from more routine police work. While it may lack the cutting edge when it comes to visuals and technical polish, this is still a machine that will get the job done, and that is the perfect encapsulation of RoboCop as a whole.”
read full review ↗ - 95Marvel's Spider-Man 2Oct 16, 2023 · Jake Su
“With great power comes great responsibility, and it’s nigh impossible to argue that Insomniac Games has come up short in any area when it comes to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. A bigger world with tons of absorbing things to do, two distinct heroes that deliver with aplomb in storytelling, gameplay, and 60+ amazing suits, as well as villains that are nuanced with unparalleled menace, this tour de force of a game is what fans would only dare to hope for in their wildest dreams. Yet, here it is in the flesh, what a time to be a fan.”
read full review ↗ - 80Total War: PHARAOHOct 11, 2023 · Jake Su
“As a whole, Total War: Pharaoh is more than a capable entry into a storied franchise, with the grand strategy elements much more intriguing than before. While it fails to match up in bloody battles when compared to Warhammer or Three Kingdoms, everything else maintains that level of quality that fans know and love. Just like entering a new age, the game is still in its nascent days, and it has plenty of room to capitalise on its potential, we can only hope that’s the case in the coming days.”
read full review ↗ - 84Assassin's Creed MirageOct 4, 2023 · Jake Su
“Ultimately, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a game that comes with the question of balance. By shining the spotlight on stealth, the game should deservedly get plaudits for the foundational refinements made to the formula. But at the same time, removing much of the bloat also means closer scrutiny of everything that’s left. Depending on your preference, this could be the soft reboot of the established recipe that many have yearned for or a step backwards, albeit one that comes with many quality-of-life tweaks. But, it represents a choice, and it is one that we are glad that Ubisoft Bordeaux has taken in giving players the flexibility to enjoy the franchise in its modern guise through a lens of the past.”
read full review ↗ - 85Immortals of Aveum™Sep 6, 2023 · Jake Su
“Ultimately, Immortals of Aveum stands tall in the first-person shooter genre, replacing guns and bullets with magical mayhem. The combat is engrossing and intense, the puzzles and platforming provide plenty of reasons to enjoy the details, and its full focus on a single-player experience pays dividends with a solid campaign that bodes well for building something even bigger. True to its name, perhaps this is one game that will definitely live long in the memory.”
read full review ↗ - 85StarfieldSep 1, 2023 · Wong Si Jia
“10 years in the making, Starfield is shaping up to be a bright glow in a sea of stars. More than just Skyrim in space, it offers some genuine enjoyment in the face of both familiar and novel elements, namely with exploration and player choice. Bethesda’s latest isn’t flawless, and that’s perfectly fine (some may even find its faults charming), because it has a little something for everyone. Free-roaming fun? Check. The thrills of battle? Double check. Customisation? Triple check – the list goes on.”
read full review ↗ - 93ARMORED CORE™ VI FIRES OF RUBICON™Aug 23, 2023 · Jake Su
“A grizzled veteran will find much to love in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, and with FromSoftware continuing to refine its approach of hardcore sensibilities with a degree of accessibility, so will newcomers to this fabled franchise. The action comes fast and heavy; there is immense depth and enjoyment to be had in assembling ACs, and with a story that takes plenty of twists and turns leading to any of the three endings, it has been an immense pleasure to see things to the end, and return for more before the dust even settles.”
read full review ↗ - 85Blasphemous 2Aug 17, 2023 · Jake Su
“It is clear to see that Blasphemous 2 is an excellent sequel which addresses many of the issues that plagued the debut game. The combat retains its tactical and methodical nature but amps it up with improved mechanics and the breadth of customisation available to players. Similarly, exploration is even more enjoyable this time around, with environmental puzzles doing their part. Combine all of that with the stunning pixel art visuals, and you have a great time ahead of you, even if the storytelling can be a tad ostentatious.”
read full review ↗ - 76Moving Out 2Aug 16, 2023 · Jake Su
“Even if you end up playing solo, the many ways in which Moving Out 2 has improved the original formula and amped up the fun factor will undoubtedly push players to find co-op partners to partake in the chaos. A healthy variety of creative levels, level elements, and charming character personalities all contribute to a party waiting to happen, and that’s saying plenty when it comes to the thankless task of moving furniture.”
read full review ↗ - 84Stray Gods: The Roleplaying MusicalAug 11, 2023 · Jake Su
“It is a testament to the developers and writers that Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical remains an accessible adventure, even for those not particularly into musicals or video games in general. The immense effort put into the world, the art, music, and storytelling is clear to see, and while there is room to venture into a more involved discourse about mental health and the human condition, this is an excellent start of an imaginative and unconventional concept, one well deserving of an encore and a standing ovation.”
read full review ↗ - 73Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The DragonsAug 8, 2023 · Jake Su
“The game ultimately can’t shake off the repetitiveness that eventually sets in, while the lack of rewarding incentives and awkward platforming do not help its cause. Yet, the combat delivers with great impact, helped by a colourful roster of unique characters and a smart tag-team system that expands the possibilities of combat approaches. All in all, Double Dragon Gaiden is a journey worth embarking on, even if it is for the first few runs to give players a taste of the various mechanics in play.”
read full review ↗ - 88REMNANT II®Jul 26, 2023 · Jake Su
“In essence, Remnant 2 outperforms its predecessor in every single way, with its focus on procedural generation paying off handsomely. The action is satisfying on every level, the loot grind is anything but, and the sheer amount of possibilities when it comes to archetypes, skills, and gear means a fresh experience can be created almost instantly. While the main plot lacks impact, and the visuals can be subpar, the real meat of the action is juicy and succulent, and if you happen to have friends along for the ride, this is one new obsession that can be a mainstay for years to come.”
read full review ↗ - 93DAVE THE DIVERJul 11, 2023 · Jake Su
“In essence, Dave the Diver is not like anything that players would imagine based on their first glance at this RPG. Its story is simply intriguing and engrossing, both parts of its gameplay formula complement each other greatly with fun and depth, and the many different surprises always manage to astound, usually in a good way. Despite the rare bugs and the lack of challenge in some of its bosses and puzzles, this is one deep-sea dive and sushi restaurant that should have droves of players lining up to taste its goodness.”
read full review ↗