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.
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 (24 tracked)
- 80OakenSep 18, 2023
“So, should you consider checking out Oaken even if you are burnt out on deck-building games? I would say yes. The deck building is only a tiny portion of the game. If you are into roguelike or grid-based tactical games, then you will enjoy this one.”
read full review ↗ - 80Wandering SwordSep 15, 2023
“Wandering Sword is a great wuxia title that encompasses a myriad of different Chinese martial arts and Wuxia tropes, served in an amazing HD-2D presentation that gives justice to the theme and aesthetics of ancient China, resulting in an immersive world for you to explore. Coupled with an innovative combat system, open-world exploration, life-skilling activities, and great stories that immersive breaking mechanics unfortunately plague. The game is now out on Steam, so check it out if you’re interested.”
read full review ↗ - 70Cross TailsAug 29, 2023
“Cross Tails is tantalizingly close to perfection in the grand scheme of things. The lack of mouse support and some issues with English localization are blemishes that mar an otherwise stellar experience. However, these are not insurmountable obstacles. From where I stand, I see a universe of untapped potential waiting to be realized. This game could ascend to the pantheon of gaming classics with a few refinements. In conclusion, Cross Tails is a mesmerizing blend of compelling stories, breathtaking graphics, intricate combat systems, and emotionally charged dialogues. It’s a game that doesn’t just entertain; it lingers in your soul, inviting you to dream, explore, and hope in a world where legends come to life.”
read full review ↗ - 90Jagged Alliance 3Jul 28, 2023
“I really like Jagged Alliance 3. I am already at 120 hours in the game and have had a lot of fun figuring it out. Even with the aspects of Jagged Alliance 3 that I was less thrilled with, I still had a lot of time with it and expect to return to the game to try out future mod content and (hopefully!) whatever DLC that Haemimont Games releases. I definitely recommend this title if you like squad-based turn-based tactical games!”
read full review ↗ - 90The Legend of Heroes: Trails into ReverieJul 4, 2023
“Trails to Revere is not a kind game to newcomers. If you want to start this series, there is a lot to learn. Whether it is the story, the ornament system, or anything else, you might find yourself reading, rereading, and rereading to get your head around everything. On the other hand, if you are someone that has played all the games or even a few of them, there is just so much here that will please you. Whether it is all the characters from other games, the end to two arcs, or a beginning of a new one, Trails to Reverie is one for the fans, and it is another great addition to the series.”
read full review ↗ - 85Miasma ChroniclesJun 27, 2023
“I had a lot of fun playing Miasma Chronicles. It was top on my wishlist since the moment I saw it announced. I thoroughly enjoyed their first game Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. I am happy to report that I enjoyed this game even more. The unforgiving combat was, of course, my favorite part of the game. Being that I am a turn-based lover. However, the story was also just as good. All of the characters were memorable and enjoyable. The story was exciting and kept me interested the whole way through. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I think one of the biggest things for me was the environment. The game just felt so alive. Everywhere I went, people or monsters were carrying on a conversation. The Miasma was always twirling and twisting. Threatening anything and everything around it. The interactions with the characters and the environment felt so real and genuine. I won’t be surprised if Miasma Chronicles continues to hold one of my top spots at the end of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the game. If you loved the developer’s first game, you will love this one even more. If you are into turn-based games, which is probably why you are here, then stop waiting and go get this game. You aren’t going to regret it.”
read full review ↗ - 90TRIANGLE STRATEGYApr 2, 2022
“Definitely one of the greatest modern strategy RPGs and a worthy successor to the classics like Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics. It's able to take the best from the famous games that inspired it, while adding plenty of unique and interesting features of its own. If you own a Switch and enjoy turn-based RPGs - then what are you waiting for?”
read full review ↗ - 88The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IVMar 31, 2022 · Charlie Norris
“Trails of Cold Steel IV is the grand finale of an epic series, which spans over a decade. As with Marvel movies, the more games you've played from the Trails, the better the experience. That's not to say new players won't enjoy it, as it is a good start to the series. The fans, however, would get way more out of it.”
read full review ↗ - 72Royal FrontierMar 18, 2022 · Charlie Norris
“The best way to describe Royal Frontier is Oregon Trail with orcs. Who doesn't love a mishmash of genres?”
read full review ↗ - 75MONARKMar 17, 2022 · Damiano Gerli
“Monark is a mostly solid JRPG with higher-than-average difficulty and a serviceable plot. While it won't surprise anyone with its unimpressive 3D graphics and a mediocre soundtrack, the characters and lore should indeed satisfy most fans of the genre.”
read full review ↗ - 85Hero's HourMar 2, 2022 · Damiano Gerli
“Hero's Hour is an all-around incredible time, taking its classic 90s inspirations to our modern age by keeping all the strategic bits intact and serving a plate of immediate turn-based strategic gameplay, that is endlessly entertaining.”
read full review ↗ - 70Rise of the Third PowerFeb 10, 2022 · Michael Ouellette
“Rise of the Third Power, I initially thought it would be a pirate-adventure, but it has to do more with war and manipulation. The battles are fun for a while but a speed option would have been preferable to those that wanted an in-between story mode (one-shot kills) and regular battles that sometimes took a while. I finished the game in about 16 hours but I still had some side-quests to do. I also skipped regular battles via story mode so that cut down on the finish time . I only did regular mode for bosses. The music was great, but I wasn't a fan of the character portraits that clashed with the game in my opinion. I also did not like the story as the circular storyline had me as a player felt like I accomplished nothing or questioning why things happened the way they did or. A skip scene option also would have been nice as scenes can be long.”
read full review ↗ - 65Sheltered 2Jan 31, 2022
“Sheltered 2 is not perfect. A game with the potential to be a very good survival management sim. Albeit not completely turn-based, it possesses the right blend of features and activities to make it a WORTHWHILE play, but needs more QoL and balancing. It remains playable but under-developed in certain areas, missing features that were present in the first game. There are game breaking bugs but not as many as when first released.”
read full review ↗ - 80Gears TacticsJan 27, 2022 · Charlie Norris
“Gears Tactics is the one for both the fans of the classic Gears lore and of the X-COM style tactical gameplay. While some may not enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game, others will find it to be a breath of fresh air. For those that enjoy both - well, they are in for a treat as it is the best of both worlds, which'll leave you craving for more in the future.”
read full review ↗ - 90Reverie Knights TacticsJan 25, 2022
“Reverie Knights Tactics gets 2022 off to a wonderful start. Between its fun dialogue, great gameplay, and stunning visuals, this is a game that’s not to be missed. If this is what 40 Giants serves up with their first title, the future looks bright indeed.”
read full review ↗