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 69 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 18 times.
Computed 6m 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.
- +36Pokemon Swordoutlet 90 · players 54 · Nov 2019
- +30Animal Crossing: New Horizonsoutlet 100 · players 70 · Mar 2020
- +21Halo 5: Guardiansoutlet 80 · players 59 · Nov 2015
- +20Gears of War 4outlet 90 · players 70 · Oct 2016
- +24Destinyoutlet 90 · players 66 · Sep 2014
- +34FOR HONOR™outlet 80 · players 46 · Mar 2017
- +17The Outer Worldsoutlet 90 · players 73 · Nov 2019
- +28Batman™: Arkham Knightoutlet 90 · players 62 · Jul 2015
- -44PAYDAY™ The Heistoutlet 50 · players 94 · Nov 2011
- +36Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfareoutlet 70 · players 34 · Dec 2016
Recent reviews (632 tracked)
- 80Narita BoyMay 24, 2021 · Lee Mehr
“"Style over substance" is a reflexively-bandied phrase that's diminished in meaning over time. Although I partly agree to its usage here to highlight certain gameplay flaws, I don't think that should tarnish Narita Boy's immense successes. Studio Koba designed what they knew best – reverent 80s nostalgia, inspired techno-spirituality, beautiful 2D art, & more – with a sincerity rarely seen today.”
read full review ↗ - 70Project WinterMar 15, 2021 · Lee Mehr
“By blending social deduction with survival mechanics Other Ocean has successfully avoided any Among Us clone accusations. Regardless of my tempered enthusiasm from Day One DLC and some polish concerns, Project Winter is a well-devised game that can lead to moments of intense distrust and cooperation few online games can equal.”
read full review ↗ - 90The Nioh CollectionFeb 22, 2021
“In the end, I enjoyed myself most when I stopped comparing Nioh to Souls games and appreciated it for what it is. Nioh has fast-paced, challenging combat with a deep loot and upgrade system. With well-designed levels and a ton of content, it's easy to sink a lot of time into this visit to Sengoku era Japan. ”
read full review ↗ - 100Little Nightmares IIFeb 9, 2021 · Sam Hallahan
“Little Nightmares II builds greatly upon what the first title achieved, and pushes with great effort to accomplish even more in its setting, design, and gameplay - and it absolutely succeeds in every area of the game.”
read full review ↗ - 90The MediumFeb 8, 2021 · Jukka Piira
“After playing through certain games, I get all emotional and dazed because the experience, even with some issues along the way, has been so exceptionally strong. The Medium is one of those games. Its distinctive art and sound design, bare-bones gameplay, Marianne’s tender persona, and stripped-down story create a poignant tale.”
read full review ↗ - 70RIDE 4Feb 3, 2021 · Allen Kesinger
“Ride 4 is as niche as a game can get and I respect its commitment to providing enthusiasts with the most hardcore of simulated racing experiences. I expect to see fans of the franchise welcome this new entry with open arms, especially if they’re on the PlayStation 5, and dig deep into its features and collection of real-world vehicles.”
read full review ↗ - 80Shady Part of MeFeb 2, 2021
“Overall, this is a fun, deceivingly complex game that portrays mental health in a unique and mostly accurate light. Between the simplified gameplay and lovely and dark graphics, this game is one to add to your collection especially if you enjoy problem solving and puzzles.This reminds me - better go call my therapist.”
read full review ↗ - 60OlijaJan 28, 2021 · Jukka Piira
“Olija’s atmosphere is spot on and despite its huge pixels, the game manages to channel Hugo Pratt’s fabled Corto Maltese graphic novels that take place in similar exotic corners of the world. The gameplay also works most of the time, but as is often the case with indie games, the authoritarian developer has gone overboard. The less is usually more but here, the style simply went over the substance and 12 hours of playtime more than overstays its welcome considering the game's ultimately shallow bounty.”
read full review ↗ - 100OMORIJan 27, 2021
“Having played through OMORI, I’m confident say that it’s an experience I won’t forget. This is a game I wholeheartedly recommend for those that appreciate a good story. With a strong emphasis on catharsis, it has a lot up its sleeves. The cutesy and colorful presentation hides a grim reality and it hits hard. Highly recommended, OMORI is a gem of a game that definitely deserves recognition.”
read full review ↗ - 100OMORIJan 27, 2021 · Garland Pan
“Having played through OMORI, I’m confident say that it’s an experience I won’t forget. This is a game I wholeheartedly recommend for those that appreciate a good story. With a strong emphasis on catharsis, it has a lot up its sleeves. The cutesy and colorful presentation hides a grim reality and it hits hard. Highly recommended, OMORI is a gem of a game that definitely deserves recognition.”
read full review ↗ - 80Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy DXJan 26, 2021 · Jukka Piira
“Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a great entry point for those unfamiliar with JRPGs but who would like to get acquainted with this perhaps mythical genre. At the same time, you also have to learn and put up with grinding, because now and then you will encounter bosses that are a bit too much for an under-leveled party. Thanks to the snappy combat, quick gameplay and easy traversal, you are back in the home base in no time for another go. Ryza’s bright attitude will rub on you and make it easier to go through chores and grinding of real life.”
read full review ↗ - 40Override 2: Super Mech LeagueJan 22, 2021
“There isn’t much positive to say about OverRide 2: Super Mech League. Although the game provides a diverse cast of characters, it also provides a mostly online centric experience while lacking a playerbase to make it work. The graphics look relatively nice running on the Xbox Series X, however, the gameplay is extremely clunky and unrefined, especially when it comes to the awkward trigger-centric control scheme. The campaign is relatively non-existent and mostly serves as a tutorial to teach players important game mechanics. All-in-all, OverRide 2: Super Mech League is a disappointing brawler experience.”
read full review ↗ - 50Twin MirrorJan 11, 2021
“It was a valiant effort by Dontnod, but it missed the mark. Graphically beautiful but mechanically messy, Twin Mirror is a failed attempt at a psychological thriller. The worst disappointment, however, is that the game made me want to visit Basswood, which...doesn’t exist.”
read full review ↗ - 80Observer: System ReduxDec 8, 2020 · Lee Mehr
“There’s an expectation for next-gen remasters to be cash-grabs, but Bloober Team went beyond resolution upgrades. Observer: System Redux shares a similar release history with Blade Runner: a newer version releasing with extra content and impressive visual polishes. It doesn’t avoid all the pitfalls endemic of walking sims nor of this studio, but it deserves augmented respect like its closest inspiration eventually earned.”
read full review ↗ - 60Sam & Max Save the World RemasteredDec 7, 2020
“Overall, if you enjoy classic point-and-click adventure games then you just can’t go wrong here. The game even has a sequence where you are reduced to a truly classic adventure game. It can get pretty wild at times. If you’re like me and find point-and-click adventures rather frustrating, there is still a lot of enjoyment to be had. The focus on humor and some clever scenarios can really go a long way into making a genre more tolerable.”
read full review ↗