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 4 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 2 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.
- +21NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4outlet 90 · players 69 · Feb 2016
- -12Dead Cellsoutlet 80 · players 93 · Sep 2018
- +23Sword Art Online: Fatal Bulletoutlet 90 · players 67 · Feb 2018
- -14Cat Questoutlet 78 · players 92 · Aug 2017
- -14Tales of Zestiriaoutlet 70 · players 84 · Oct 2015
- -16.hack//G.U. Last Recodeoutlet 70 · players 87 · Nov 2017
- -13Freedom Planetoutlet 70 · players 83 · Sep 2018
- -11SENRAN KAGURA SHINOVI VERSUSoutlet 80 · players 92 · Jun 2016
- -18Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Timeoutlet 65 · players 83 · May 2018
- +18Stranger of Sword Cityoutlet 90 · players 72 · Jun 2016
Recent reviews (83 tracked)
- 95TUNICMar 16, 2022 · Nick Cooney
“TUNIC is perhaps the most fun I’ve had with a game in a long time. The depth within the puzzle design and the overall world has kept my brain whirring away whenever I’m not playing. The collaborative effort of working out the more difficult puzzles has been a highlight I’ll probably not experience again for a long time. This is matched wonderfully by the solid gameplay. While I can’t easily wipe my memory and start the game fresh, what a joy that would be, I can take comfort in the knowledge that TUNIC definitely holds more secrets than I’ve discovered during my time with it and that only makes me want to explore it more!”
read full review ↗ - 80Grapple DogFeb 15, 2022 · Nick Cooney
“Grapple Dog delivers a solid 2D action platformer with fresh and interesting mechanics, impossibly cute characters and a soundtrack that’s straight fire! Don’t be fooled by the charming aesthetics because Grapple Dog follows a trend of impossibly cute but frustratingly challenging platformers. Taking advantage of some choice accessibility options might be a must when taking on this 2D platformer unless, of course, living life on the edge is your jam. Despite some issues, Grapple Dog is an incredibly exciting journey that never outstays its welcome.”
read full review ↗ - 90Toodee and TopdeeAug 12, 2021 · Nick Cooney
“Toodee and Topdee is a fantastic mash-up of genres that’s not only a quirky idea but one that actually works, and works flawlessly. Describing how the game mechanics work really doesn’t do justice to the actual magic at play here. The fluidity with which you swap between the two characters is everything. It allows for creativity from both the developer and player that otherwise could not exist. The brother developer team dietzribi has created one of the best and creative games of the year!”
read full review ↗ - 85Chicory: A Colorful TaleJul 30, 2021 · Nick Cooney
“Chicory: A Colorful Tale perfectly embraces the “don’t judge a book by its cover” metaphorical phrase. It lulls you into a false sense of security with its charmingly simple visuals and cute anthropomorphic characters. The depth found within its story is unexpected, surprising, and frankly wonderful storytelling. The focus on mental health is eye-opening, self-affirming and a great opportunity to learn. This is all wrapped up in a therapeutic and fun colouring game with a powerful soundtrack.”
read full review ↗ - 70Tales of Vesperia: Definitive EditionJun 3, 2021 · Nick Cooney
“Ultimately, Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition should please fans of the series and even attract a new generation of fans into the ‘Tales of’ franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 80MY HERO ONE'S JUSTICEMay 27, 2021 · Nick Cooney
“My Hero One’s Justice continues to impress the further you dive into it. It’s filled to the brim with content that’ll keep you occupied for hours on end and that’s not even including the online mode. Not to mention that the game just works and works well. Online is simple and streamlined, the gameplay is exhilarating and the visuals are stunning. My Hero One’s Justice is well worth the entry price and more!”
read full review ↗ - 100Resident Evil 2May 13, 2021 · Fraser Overington
“Capcom has proven themselves to be extremely capable of not only capturing what made the original game so incredible – but how to add little touches to improve it. Resident Evil 2 is not a simple remake, it’s a love letter to the franchise and the fans who have stood by the series through thick and thin. Do not miss this.”
read full review ↗ - 100Overcooked! 2May 6, 2021 · Fraser Overington
“Overcooked 2 lives up to and improves upon its predecessor, it’s a joy to play from beginning to end. Whether it’s the perfected gameplay, sharp-witted dialogue, catchy music or cute art style, there is something to love in every area of the game.”
read full review ↗ - 80Little Town HeroJan 5, 2021 · Nick Cooney
“There’s not much to knock with Little Town Hero it’s a great experience with a praiseworthy visual style, soundtrack, and the sometimes hard but ultimately inventively brilliant battle system. Some minor frame rate stutter here and there, but nothing worth getting up in arms about. The game won’t be to everyone’s taste, whether that’s down to expectation as a Game Freak game or just the overwhelming nature of the battle system. If different and out of the box is an appealing trait, then Little Town Hero has it with a lot to spare.”
read full review ↗ - 80SOULCALIBUR VIOct 26, 2018 · Fraser Overington
“It’s a must-own game even if you’re not a fan.”
read full review ↗ - 80ArmelloOct 26, 2018 · Nick Cooney
“The low entry requirements and the unique nature of the game will keep you, your family and friends occupied for hours on end. Each game is a story yet to be written, an adventure of your own to craft. Fans of the traditional board experience will find a lot to love here as will those who like a good helping of strategy in their games.”
read full review ↗ - 70Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of DuskOct 18, 2018 · Nick Cooney
“Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk is a good addition to the first-person dungeon crawling genre but tries to do too much and without a more compelling story to pull it along makes it feel more of a chore to play. The addition of Covens and how that affects the battle system and player customisation of the party is what really shined through during my time with the game.”
read full review ↗ - 60BLACK CLOVER: QUARTET KNIGHTSOct 4, 2018 · Nick Cooney
“Black Clover: Quartet Knights regardless of its faults is an enjoyable game that features a nicely fleshed out single-player campaign and chaotic but immensely fun online 4v4 battles. It’s unfortunate that the online is let down by a lack of players, but the game does its best with AI-controlled characters, albeit unbalanced ones.”
read full review ↗ - 80Dead CellsSep 21, 2018 · Nick Cooney
“Dead Cells is an addictive yet brutal game that’ll have you swinging from frustration to enjoyment in quick succession. It’s perfect for when you have a spare couple of minutes jumping in and out for a quick game.”
read full review ↗ - 70Freedom PlanetSep 21, 2018 · Nick Cooney
“Freedom Planet is a fun platformer that strikes just the right balance of difficulty. There’s a good amount of replayability to be had too with all the collectables and hidden areas to uncover. Once you’ve managed to do all that it’s a great game to speedrun.”
read full review ↗