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 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.
Recent reviews (48 tracked)
- 80Red Faction®: Armageddon™Jun 5, 2011
“In conclusion, Red Faction: Armageddon succeeds at being an enjoyable and entertaining sequel despite itself. Compared to its predecessor, it lacks the freedom of exploration, mission variety and more regrettably, the competitive online player that helped put Guerrilla on the map in this console generation, but on the positive side, Volition's narrower focus on the single-player campaign and online co-op has resulted in a significant trimming of fat, leaving a lean, mean and undeniably fun game that continues to revel in destruction, which is the calling card of the franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 85L.A. NoireMay 22, 2011
“L.A. Noire is a grand and technically superior game, and possibly a bit too big for its own good. whilst there's no denying that you'll be hooked into the story and intrigued by the presentation, the gameplay perhaps lets the overall experience down. ”
read full review ↗ - 90The Dishwasher: Vampire SmileApr 27, 2011
“Dishwasher: Vampire Smile has more than enough content for its cost, absolutely amazing gameplay, and some impressive visuals. The plot is completely irrelevant to the experience, but it's certainly not bad. If players want a fast paced action game with a surprising amount of depth, Dishwasher 2 is certainly worth checking out.”
read full review ↗ - 95Portal 2Apr 25, 2011
“The gameplay, while brilliant and innovative, can drag a bit at times, but the writing carries the game through those times, and the mostly great graphics and perfect audio seal the deal. There's a lot more content than most may be expecting, too. On the whole, it's an amazing game from a company known for making amazing games. It's a truly worthwhile sequel that lives up to its predecessor, and that alone is rare enough that the game is worth checking out.”
read full review ↗ - 80Shift 2 UnleashedApr 24, 2011
“Shift 2: Unleashed is a very good racer, one that walks a very fine line between simulated precision and arcade adrenaline, and while you'll enjoy the fantastic experience the game can offer you at times, you can't help but wonder that if by trying to do so much, the developers missed out on making anything truly outstanding.”
read full review ↗ - 75LEGO® Star Wars™ III - The Clone Wars™Apr 11, 2011
“It's repetitive, yet quirky fun that's on offer in this latest LEGO Star Wars inspired title. The gameplay can prove rather addictive, and with co-op thrown in, it's perfect entertainment for the family, though the lack of online support certainly proves a hindrance.”
read full review ↗ - 90StackingFeb 23, 2011
“If you're looking for a game with a personality all its own and don't mind spending a few extra Microsoft points, Stacking will stack up remarkably well against other competition.”
read full review ↗ - 90Dead Space™ 2Jan 31, 2011
“The visceral combat, the varied locales, the tense moments and entertaining story are worth the price of entry alone, and with added multiplayer for those who must share the experience, make this game a more well rounded product. Highly recommended and another classic game to add to the collection.”
read full review ↗ - 80nail'dDec 21, 2010
“nail'd has seemingly come from nowhere to shake up the off-road racing genre. Some may be put off by the emphasis on speed, and be disorientated by riding up, down and to the side, but rest assured, take your blinkers off, and this is one thrilling ride well worth taking.”
read full review ↗ - 90Call of Duty®: Black OpsDec 10, 2010
“Treyarch have done a fine job with Black Ops. Not only does the game retain its Call of Duty aesthetic appeal, and pushes all of the series strengths seemingly as far as they can go, but now other aspects of the game are also to this high standard.”
read full review ↗ - 80Fallout: New VegasOct 25, 2010
“Fallout: New Vegas is more a step side-wards for the series, as opposed to a step forwards that some of us may have been expecting.”
read full review ↗ - 85VanquishOct 25, 2010
“Vanquish is a wild ride that sometimes tries too hard to be really important. Stilted dialogue, crammed with unnecessary exposition makes it a let down from a narrative point of view and its incredibly short length means it isn't for everyone. Those problems aside, everything about the game is excellent and it is easy to recommend.”
read full review ↗ - 90Dead Rising® 2Oct 21, 2010
“Dead Rising was an enjoyable experience, full of the undead, a bit of cheese, and a likeable yet somewhat flat protagonist in Frank West. DR 2 ups the ante to provide similar thrills, but overall feels like a much more fuller game.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Left 4 Dead is THE best game I've played in years, and offers one of the best new multiplayer experiences available on the market.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The co-operative and multiplayer experience of Left 4 Dead 2 is much like that of the original, but with some intriguing new modes of play.”
read full review ↗