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 5 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 5 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.
- -31Apex Legends™outlet 50 · players 81 · Mar 2021
- +28Tiny Tina's Wonderlandsoutlet 100 · players 72 · Apr 2022
- -41Vaganteoutlet 40 · players 81 · Jan 2022
- +17Persona 3 Portableoutlet 90 · players 73 · Jan 2023
- +14Trek to Yomioutlet 80 · players 67 · May 2022
- -22Nuclear Blazeoutlet 70 · players 92 · Oct 2021
Recent reviews (48 tracked)
- 60Sons of ValhallaApr 11, 2024 · Zackary Cawood
“Sons of Valhalla has some ways to go. I’m hoping a couple of updates will ease some of the tedium of the city building and waiting for units. It felt like I was stuck through a lot of my playthrough, having to wait for something or another rather than forging ahead. I wouldn’t even mind waiting for tactical purposes, but there really isn’t much more to the game aside from clicking at enemies and watching your army take care of business. I died during 2 sieges. When I got back to the camp, my army had played the game without me and took them. It just feels a bit disconnected. With a little push, this game has something special. For now though, I’d recommend waiting some time.”
read full review ↗ - 60AEW: Fight ForeverJun 28, 2023 · Alex Richards
“AEW: Fight Forever is a solid first step into the gaming world for All Elite Wrestling. They’ve already got the gameplay down and have something they can expand on in future games to really make their mark. It is, however, a game that lacks any real depth, and with the CAW options being so bare they’re going to be relying on multiplayer fun to carry the game’s momentum. With some minor improvements and polish, they could make an exceptional follow-up but their first foray into gaming is merely a solid entry that will leave single-player users without much to do after a few days.”
read full review ↗ - 90Figment 2: Creed ValleyMar 17, 2023 · Alex Richards
“Figment 2 is one of the best games I’ve played in 2023. It may have a short runtime but it uses every second to tell a simple story and blow you away both with its visuals and its audio. The core gameplay remains interesting until the very end while every area you visit is full of character and charm that makes this one impossible to put down.”
read full review ↗ - 40Clive 'N' WrenchFeb 27, 2023 · Alex Richards
“At first, I hated Clive ‘N’ Wrench, I didn’t see any appeal and thought it was a terrible game. As I played it and got used to the controls I found myself enjoying some aspects of the game because it is an attempted homage to one of my all-time favourite genres. If like me, you’re a fan of 3D platformers from yesteryear, you’ll find SOMETHING that attracts you to Clive ‘N’ Wrench. Unfortunately, the title has too many issues to really flourish and reach its full potential. For a debut effort, the developer did a lot right and a lot wrong, all I can hope for is that they focus on what they did right with this one and knock it out of the park next time.”
read full review ↗ - 70SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic ShakeJan 30, 2023 · Alex Richards
“SpongeBob SquarePants The Cosmic Shake is a charming, funny, and sometimes great game. At its heart, it is a masterful platformer but it gets sidetracked too often with underexplored mechanics and a desire to focus on tedious combat. It is still a very easy game to pick up and play through, but it falls short of the excellence that this franchise expects in the video game world.”
read full review ↗ - 90Persona 3 PortableJan 28, 2023 · Alex Richards
“While Persona 3 Portable isn’t perfect, it is still a viable way to experience one of the best games ever. This is by far the best Persona game of the series, it has the best pacing, the best music, the best art, everything. While this port is lacking some of the things that FES had that made it an all-time classic, it is still one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch, and that’s saying something.”
read full review ↗ - 60LONE RUINJan 11, 2023 · Alex Richards
“Lone Ruin is a solid addition to the roguelike genre, especially for those in need of a challenge. It’s got a strong art direction that enhances the darker mood the game is going for. The boss fights are an easy highlight as the developers really get to flex their muscles with those but the gameplay loop isn’t quite good enough, or long enough, to thrive otherwise. The weaker abilities and items render some attempts futile without me even doing anything wrong and success largely feels down to luck rather than my own choices for the most part.”
read full review ↗ - 70TrifoxOct 14, 2022 · Alex Richards
“I don’t think any number grading could ever fully translate my thoughts on Trifox. It’s a game that does so much right and stands out in the action-adventure genre as one of the more well-designed and creative titles I’ve played in a while. Despite that, there are just too many small things that hold it back from reaching its full potential. I would love to see this team get another swing at a Trifox game, a tightened-up sequel could be a contender for best indie game of the year, but for now, Trifox stands as a pretty good game, but one limited by its own faults.”
read full review ↗ - 80Disney Dreamlight ValleySep 16, 2022 · Alex Richards
“Disney Dreamlight Valley is a quintessential Disney fan experience that shakes up the life simulation genre. While it has its performance issues and occasionally leaves me unable to find the materials necessary to complete a quest it is a charming and addictive experience.”
read full review ↗ - 80Trek to YomiMay 7, 2022 · Robbie Sutter
“Even with criticisms regarding combat, Trek to Yomi is far from a bad place. It’s apparent that Flying Wild Hog took this game as a labor of love, putting so much heart and character into it. Anyone that enjoys the samurai film genre, Japanese history, or less traditional games, in general, would be wise to give this a shot. I played this game on Xbox Series S via Game Pass, though it is available on other platforms. It can also be completed in anywhere from 5 to 6 hours, meaning that it won’t overstay its welcome. If you have an afternoon to spare, after reading our Trek to Yomi review, steel yourself and set forth on a journey you may never forget.”
read full review ↗ - 80Cat Cafe ManagerApr 13, 2022 · Alex Richards
“Cat Cafe Manager is an addictive management simulation game that balances enjoyable gameplay with a good supporting cast, an actually useful skill tree, and a heartwarming story. A couple of minor issues hold the game back from perfection but it’s a great game nonetheless.”
read full review ↗ - 100Tiny Tina's WonderlandsApr 2, 2022 · Matt Jarvis
“2022 is going to see a lot of contenders for Game of the Year with the likes of Elden Ring and Horizon: Forbidden West already high on the list and we are only in April. It says a lot about the quality of gaming at the moment. Witty, more guns and crossbows than you can ever imagine, a well set out story and stunning graphics all create what is simply a superb game. If you love the Borderlands games you will love this. If you haven’t played them then you will still love this game. Quite simply superb and will knock on the door for GOTY 2022.”
read full review ↗ - 70Flat Kingdom Paper's Cut EditionApr 2, 2022 · Matt Jarvis
“If you want a relaxing puzzle game or have younger kids then this is a great game for both purposes. I had a lot of fun with the game but it doesn’t take long to beat. It’s charming, it’s well put together and proves that good things can come in small packages.”
read full review ↗ - 60Dark DeityMar 16, 2022 · Alex Richards
“For those hankering to play a Fire Emblem style game, Dark Deity will no doubt scratch your itch. Its tactical gameplay is satisfying and engaging, with a wide array of units at your disposal to lay waste to your enemies. The story and characters are lacking, however, which leads to a lot of the game feeling like a slog to get through. The contestant addition of new characters leads to a “shiny new toy” mentality with other characters being forgotten about and left to waste away in the meaningless bonds”
read full review ↗ - 70Phantom Breaker: OmniaMar 14, 2022 · Alain Elliott
“Despite lots of competition, fighting fans will no doubt enjoy this new game in the Phantom Breaker series. Although it doesn’t offer anything new, it has a wealth of options and if you want to complete the game 100%, this will take quite the amount of time. If you think you’ve played through all the fighters currently on offer, Phantom Breaker Omnia will give you an all new challenge!”
read full review ↗