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 3 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 3 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 (37 tracked)
- 90Truxton ExtremeJul 28, 2026 · Danny Neleman
“Yuge and the Tatsujin team have delivered an inspired sequel to a genre legend, adding new flavours to the vertical Truxton recipe that, in many ways, evolve the game into a modern entry in the genre rather than one that rides on its legacy. Adding Story Mode makes the game digestible for commoners and veterans alike without having to forfeit its demanding difficulty. The widescreen approach and a few concessions in the name of accessibility may tick some vertical shmup fans off, but this is more than a fitting sequel. It feels like the natural evolution of the 35-year dormant franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 75River City Saga: Journey to the WestJul 2, 2026 · Danny Neleman
“Arc System Works played it a little safe with the usual roguelite difficulty curve in River City Saga: Journey to the West to avoid alienating its core Kunio-kun fanbase. Normally, that sounds like a recipe for trouble. This time, however, sitting somewhere in the middle actually works. Combining 80 Secret Skills to shape your favourite Kunio-kun character creates a roguelite comfort game that is fast, snappy and enjoyable, even if it never sets the gaming world on fire.”
read full review ↗ - 65City HunterMay 20, 2026 · Danny Neleman
“The biggest sticking point may ultimately be the launch price of €24.99. That is a steep ask for what is, at its core, a fairly short and niche retro release. Even longtime fans may hesitate before pulling the trigger. As mentioned, Clouded Leopard deserves credit for the production values and the amount of bonus material included, but the core game is over before you know it. That makes the asking price difficult to fully justify.”
read full review ↗ - 55Legacy of Kain: AscendanceApr 10, 2026 · Danny Neleman
“While Legacy of Kain: Ascendance tries to explore shifting visual styles and maintains the series’ focus on narrative, the actual gameplay feels like an afterthought. The stage design is lacklustre, and the combat system is too basic, showing little to no evolution throughout the playthrough. Above all, it is over before you know it.”
read full review ↗ - 85Minishoot' AdventuresApr 1, 2026 · Danny Neleman
“Minishoot is an endearing and successful effort to combine the 2D action-adventure qualities of classic Zelda games with twin-stick shmup action, packaged in a visually inoffensive and low-key 2D presentation. It even manages to create a sense of narrative around a cast made up entirely of sentient shmup-style spaceships. While that may sound like the setup to a joke, it all comes together surprisingly well, leaving you with a grin on your face rather than tears in your eyes or sweat on your forehead. The twin-stick shooting blends seamlessly into the game world, and once you start playing, it feels so natural that you begin to wonder why it hasn’t been explored like this before.”
read full review ↗ - 65CLAWPUNKFeb 25, 2026 · Danny Neleman
“Roguelite fans will likely get some mileage out of Clawpunk, though the difficulty curve starts steep and flattens out fairly quickly, which may not satisfy more hardcore players. It ends up sitting somewhere in between, neither fully casual nor deeply demanding. Still, it remains a fair and thoughtful attempt at putting a fresh spin on the roguelite formula.”
read full review ↗ - 70Shadows of the AfterlandFeb 11, 2026 · Rob Warmoeskerken
“If you’re looking for a simple, short, but enjoyable point-and-click adventure, Shadows of the Afterland is worth a look. The game features some strong environments and appealing visuals, but its storytelling lacks depth and the puzzles are fairly straightforward. Still, if you have four to five spare hours and are looking for a modestly priced experience, it offers a decent amount of fun.”
read full review ↗ - 72Street Racer Collection (QUByte Classics)Jan 13, 2026 · Danny Neleman
“QUByte has put together four very different ports of a cult arcade kart racer that, in some versions more than others, have stood the test of time. With its more involved controls and car mannerisms, it takes a fair amount of investment to get into, but that effort is rewarded with tight and engaging racing, albeit when compared to other racing games of the time. This holds true across all ports, even the almost eye-straining and barely watchable Game Boy version.”
read full review ↗ - 70R-Type Delta: HD BoostedNov 21, 2025 · Danny Neleman
“R-Type Delta HD Boosted feels like a obligatory act of preservation out of capitalism than a celebration of a cult classic of the Playstation 1 era. It does what it needs to do and not a lick more. The upscaling settings and button mappings are about the only configuration that has been tinkered with in the probably open source emulation framework they've chosen. There is no additional features te speak off or leaderboards to take on other players. The game it self is left to its own devices, which it still, after 30 odd years, does remarkably well. Both in terms of gameplay and looks. Those who are in for a thoughtful, deep horizontal shooter should not pass up on it but at the same time will be disappointed that it isn't presented with much more style and fanfare.”
read full review ↗ - 67SONIC WINGS REUNIONNov 16, 2025 · Danny Neleman
“In a very competitive niche market Sonic Wings REUNION fails to bring anything substantially different to the table. It offers a wide range of characters and the option to mix and match special attacks, but overall it plays like a Psikyo shooter with lesser challenge and similar visual presentation. On the other hand it is more accessible than much of the competition, which makes Sonic Wings REUNION a suitable entry point for players new to the shmup genre.”
read full review ↗ - 50Formula LegendsNov 7, 2025 · Danny Neleman
“While, as an F1 fan, I admire the attention to detail that went into faithfully cramming seven decades of F1 racing into an enjoyable unlicensed arcade racing game, the framerate, dynamic resolution, and color hue issues make this a port to avoid if you have the option to play on more powerful platforms. Nothing suggests why a Switch port should be so difficult to pull off with its cartoonish, Micro Machines-like look, but the conclusion is that 3DClouds, or the party responsible for the port, has failed to do so. As for this version, it’s knocked out of Q1 due to technical issues and the stiff competition in the crowded retro arcade racing genre.”
read full review ↗ - 95Mortal Kombat: Legacy KollectionNov 5, 2025 · Jimmy Lynn Sanchez
“Digital Eclipse, again, did what it does best, by combining great production, a profound interactive timeline and a greatly curated set of Mortal Kombat games. It’s a near triple-flawless victory. Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection celebrates every era of the series with the same punch and personality that made it legendary, blending gameplay and documentary storytelling into one cohesive experience. If Digital Eclipse can patch in the few missing ports and expand on Mortal Kombat 4 (maybe even add Mortal Kombat Gold) this could easily become the first collection of its kind worthy of a perfect 10 out of 10.”
read full review ↗ - 70Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bitOct 27, 2025 · Danny Neleman
“Angry Video Game Nerd: The Video Game 8-Bit is a remarkable accomplishment as a genuine NES platformer, especially with a physical release for original hardware on the horizon. The platforming is tight and responsive, packed with clever nods to Mega Man and Sunsoft NES classics. Each level ties neatly into some of the Nerd’s most memorable episodes, while the FMV segments and energetic soundtrack give the game plenty of personality. In trying to make the experience more accessible, however, the assist features break the balance, softening what is otherwise solid. Apart from that it is a very decent homage to the best the NES era had to offer.”
read full review ↗ - 68The Edge of AllegoriaOct 17, 2025 · Danny Neleman
“Sometimes it nails its South Park-esque situational gags, and sometimes it doesn’t. Yet if you can tolerate the occasional cringe, push through the rough edges, and aren’t easily offended by literal obscenity, you’ll find a meaty 20-hour retro adventure waiting for you. Maybe it’s a little too long for its own good, given the limited mechanics, but still, for an albeit very specific audience, Edge of Allegoria is absolutely a ride worth jumping on.”
read full review ↗ - 78Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2Aug 26, 2025 · Danny Neleman
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 puts story above all else. The game succeeds in retelling the anime with care, mixing anime footage and in-engine cutscenes into a production that feels true to the source. The combat is flashy and fun but shallow compared to the genre's heavyweights. For fans and newcomers alike, Chronicles 2 delivers a rich way to experience the story. It may not satisfy the hardcore fighting game crowd, but it does justice to one of anime’s most successful franchises.”
read full review ↗