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The Game Crater
62

The Game Crater

Press193 reviews on recordTrust score from 102 scored reviews vs. playerswebsite ↗

matches players
Bias
within ~8 pts
Vs player sentiment
0.36
Ranks like players
102
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.

68
Alignment (40%)
76
Decoded accuracy (30%)
40
Player-side (30%)

Controversy record: on 14 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 7 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.

Recent reviews (140 tracked)

  • 60
    Stellar Blade™May 25, 2024 · Tom Wilson

    Stellar Blade is an unremarkable thrill ride, one with a forgettable story marred by predictable twists and a lack of compelling character development. While it's a visually stunning experience, it's let down by its lackluster cutscene direction and inconsistencies in the character animation. Fortunately, its combat is stellar, offering a rich and varied set of systems that feel endlessly fun. Similarly, exploration is rewarding, albeit a little clunky. If you're looking for a combat-focused experience, then Stellar Blade's 20-25-hour runtime will surely suffice. However, don't expect to come away having had a memorable time.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    Children of the SunApr 10, 2024 · Jayden Hellyar

    While it can be repetitive at times, Children of the Sun promises a thrilling and unique gaming experience for those seeking intense action and strategic gameplay.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    Dragon's Dogma 2Apr 6, 2024 · Tom Wilson

    Dragon's Dogma 2 is a masterclass in open-world innovation, a game that strives to truly shake up the genre and prove that there's plenty left still to say. Its gorgeous environments, coupled with its varied and exhilarating combat, rewarding exploration, and richly detailed worldbuilding, make for a truly engrossing experience backed by emergent gameplay that makes it feel as if absolutely anything could happen. Despite some minor shortcomings, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a remarkable game, one clearly made with so much love, passion, and reverence for the original that it makes for a wonderfully special experience unlike anything else.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    Pepper GrinderApr 5, 2024 · Jayden Hellyar

    Pepper Grinder is an enjoyable adventure brimming with excitement, challenges, and hidden treasures. Its innovative drilling mechanic, vibrant presentation, and engaging gameplay make for an extraordinary journey, albeit one that leaves players yearning for it to last longer. However, despite its minor flaws, Pepper Grinder stands as a thrilling escapade and a great indie title.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY!Mar 26, 2024 · Chris Melnyk

    It's clear that South Park: Snow Day had all the right intentions when attempting to make an exciting roguelike experience. Unfortunately, it has one too many faults that let it down. While the hilarious narrative and engaging roguelike formula are always enjoyable, the repetitive combat and distracting audio and camera can make fights feel like something you actively want to avoid. Furthermore, the absence of the local co-op weighs down the title. Fortunately, its low price and gorgeous visuals make up for most of its mistakes, although if you're on the fence or not a South Park fan, it's not worth your time.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    Bears In SpaceMar 22, 2024 · Jayden Hellyar

    Bears in Space is a hilarious, enjoyable title that Broadside Games should be incredibly proud of.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    Rise of the RoninMar 21, 2024 · Jayden Hellyar

    "Rise of the Ronin treads too closely with games we have already experienced."

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    Berserk BoyMar 18, 2024 · Jayden Hellyar

    Berserk Boy offers a refreshing take with its blend of retro-inspired gameplay, vibrant visuals, and infectious soundtrack.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    Skull and BonesMar 5, 2024 · Jayden Hellyar

    Skull and Bones falls short of expectations, particularly in its lackluster narrative and repetitive gameplay loop. The exciting ship combat, deep customization, and visually stunning world can't fix the emptiness you feel when sailing the high seas.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    Minami LaneFeb 29, 2024 · Tom Wilson

    Minami Lane is a remarkable management sim that manages to perfectly balance its cozy atmosphere with its complex gameplay.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    DicefolkFeb 24, 2024 · Jayden Hellyar

    Dicefolk offers a unique and strategic experience with its dice mechanic and Chimera collection. However, short runs and limited enemy variety might hinder the experience for some. If you enjoy Slay the Spire and Pokemon and appreciate the challenge of roguelikes, Dicefolk might be worth checking out.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    Persona 3 ReloadFeb 23, 2024 · Tom Wilson

    Persona 3 Reload is a remarkable remake, one that improves the majority of the original game while remaining entirely faithful to the source material.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    Please, Touch The Artwork 2Feb 16, 2024 · Tom Wilson

    Please, Touch the Artwork 2 is a gorgeous, meaningful, and terrifically fun hidden object game that explores both the phenomenal art of James Ensor as well as the world of art itself in an educational and thoroughly entertaining way.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    Banishers: Ghosts of New EdenFeb 13, 2024 · Tom Wilson

    Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden falls short of its potential. Its central protagonists lack the chemistry and development to make meaningful choices feel impactful. Its combat and exploration feel like they've been lifted from better games, barely iterating on established formulas and, in some cases, making them worse. While there are some enjoyable side quests and the occasional glimmer of hope in the main subplot, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden never reaches the heights it should.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    TEKKEN 8Jan 24, 2024 · Chris Melnyk

    Whether you're a fresh face to the genre or returning to settle old grudges, Tekken 8 is absolutely for you and easily the most robust fighting game of the year.

    read full review ↗