VideoGamesCritic | The one source of truth for gamers

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.

Alignment (40%)

Decoded accuracy (30%)

Player-side (30%)

Controversy record: on 55 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 20 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 (373 tracked)

90
Resonance: A Plague Tale LegacyAug 27, 2026 · Stacie Cotton
“As someone who is a more story-based enthusiast when it comes to gaming, this is one of my favourite games I have played so far in 2026. They really took a risk by diverting from the previous stealth-based gameplay by taking a more action-combative gameplay that really brings out the treasure hunter in the player. The uniquely captivating and exhilarating story, the beautiful and grotesque environments and expertly curated musical pieces collectively make for just such a great experience.”
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85
STAR WARS Zero Company™Aug 26, 2026 · James Fraser-Smith
“STAR WARS Zero Company is a game that understands why turn-based tactics are so addictive. It’s not simply about having the strongest characters or the best weapons. It’s about planning several moves, understanding your squad and adapting when things inevitably go wrong.”
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80
The Sinking City 2Aug 24, 2026 · Ashley Barnett-Cosgrove
“I strongly recommend The Sinking City 2 to any survival horror genre fan. If you aren’t, it’s still a great game to try thanks to its difficulty options. With thoughtful use of music, sound effects, environment, and lighting, it produces a horror experience that doesn’t lean into the jump-scare trope.”
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90
Hell Let Loose: VietnamAug 24, 2026 · Hayden Nelson
“Hell Let Loose: Vietnam takes everything I already enjoyed about the series and somehow makes it feel fresh again. The brutal 50 vs 50 battles, huge and varied maps, expanded movements, helicopters, patrol boats and massive selection of specialised roles all work perfectly for the Vietnam setting, while the incredible visuals and absolutely chaotic sound design make every firefight feel intense and unpredictable.”
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90
GRAIN ROTAug 16, 2026 · Mike Bridge
“Overall, Grain Rot was a good, fun, yet scary extraction shooter; I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The light humour above ground, the dark, corrupted underground, and elements of base building, survival, and inventory management had me hooked. Grain Rot is also multiplayer, which I unfortunately didn’t get to test, but I think it would be a lot of fun. This is definitely a title you want to pick up if you are on the fence or if the extraction shooter is your genre.”
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80
Beast of ReincarnationAug 13, 2026 · Dylan Kocins
“Beast of Reincarnation is a massive risk for Game Freak, and while it misses the mark in a few areas, mainly with its plot and the occasional technical hiccup, the combat is simply that good. It’s the kind of combat system that kept me coming back, and ultimately makes the game worth the price of admission. So, I’d say the risk paid off.”
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60
Agent 64: Spies Never DieAug 11, 2026 · Mike Bridge
“Agent 64: Spies Never Die unfortunately doesn’t enhance anything; it is a retro game and plays as such. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good fun and has a lot of content, but don’t expect days of gameplay. It’s a solid, fun retro title; if that is your genre, jump on in and relive the golden era of gaming.”
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70
Mistfall HunterAug 10, 2026 · Jordan Swift
“I found myself drawn to play this game more and more; for each loss, there was just as much of a victory in a game as fresh as this. It is visually fun and has an entertaining story to follow, while also offering some “hidden” fun that I won’t spoil—the game’s mysteries and action don’t leave you in the dark, only to play more. I am personally excited to see what comes next with the huge potential Mistfall Hunter has.”
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90
STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY RAug 5, 2026 · Sammy Hanson
“Star Ocean: The Second Story has one of the best stories in any JRPG series, and the most recent remake adds even more to the already emotional rollercoaster. The added content provides even more hours to a game that already takes more than 20 hours total to complete. Star Ocean: The Second Story R brings one of the best stories in the series to modern platforms.”
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80
Company of Heroes 3: Final StandAug 5, 2026 · Mike Bridge
“Overall, Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand is a solid RTS title. While the game may be completed in a matter of days, I do like how you can jump in and smash out a few maps without having to dedicate hours to building bases and unlocking technology, as in the main title. It’s a fun, fast-paced version of the main game with enough content to keep you going when you feel the need to test your military strategy against an unpredictable AI.”
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60
Quarantine Zone: The Last CheckAug 3, 2026 · Hayden Nelson
“Quarantine Zone: The Last Check has a fantastic concept and does offer a unique take on the zombie genre that immediately stood out. While I enjoyed my time making the difficult decisions, managing checkpoints and smashing infected with drones, the repetitive gameplay loop ultimately stopped me from wanting to stick around for the long haul. There is some fun to be had here during the first little bit, but it wears thin too quickly.”
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85
Case Solved: The London FilesAug 3, 2026 · James Fraser-Smith
“Case Solved: The London Files succeeds because it understands what makes solving mysteries satisfying. With the game allowing full freedom to think, with no timer or time-based penalty, it really does illuminate the feeling of solving a case, with a genuine accomplishment of pinpointing exactly who dun it!”
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80
Truxton ExtremeAug 1, 2026 · Sammy Hanson
“It may not be a casual-friendly game, but it sure is a hardcore-friendly game. Truxton Extreme certainly lives up to its name, as it’s a bullet hell game that will push you to your limits and reward you when you succeed.”
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70
The Mound: Omen of CthulhuJul 31, 2026 · Jordan Swift
“In the end, The Moud: Omen of Cthulhu is a game I can see myself returning to time and time again, with massive replayability. 18 custom maps, not procedurally generated, with just a few tweaks – it’s a game for most friend groups down for a laugh and up for a good time.”
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100
Halo: Campaign EvolvedJul 24, 2026 · Hayden Nelson
“Halo: Campaign Evolved proves that legends never fade; they simply evolve. This is not just a remake; it is the definitive way to experience where one of gaming’s greatest franchises began, and it deserves every bit of praise it receives.”
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MKAU Gaming

How this trust score was computed

Outlet vs. players

Biggest disagreements with players

Recent reviews (373 tracked)