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 4 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 4 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 (46 tracked)
- 96RAGEOct 4, 2011
“Minor quibbles aside, we here at GamingExcellence have never been so happy to be so enraged. It's a great day for gaming when we can welcome id Software back into our living rooms and computer desks. RAGE is an easy candidate for the best game of the year, and was well worth the wait. Don't miss it. ”
read full review ↗ - 90Tropico 4Oct 4, 2011
“Overall though, Tropico 4 was a delightful experience. It made some incredibly useful changes and additions to gameplay while maintaining the heart of the Tropico series. And the annoyances were few and far between enough that this title is worth turning on again and again. Viva la Tropico! ”
read full review ↗ - 85Rock of AgesAug 31, 2011
“A lot of people out there calling themselves gamers like to cry about there not being enough creativity in the land of game development. Well Ace Team sets out to prove them wrong. They may have only released two games, Rock of Ages and Zeno Clash, but both of these titles try to do bold things with games both in the art style and interesting gameplay developments. In the least give the demo for this one a whirl. Hopefully it'll grown on you as quickly as it grew on us! ”
read full review ↗ - 80From DustAug 31, 2011
“Overall, From Dust is very vibrant and interesting game and concept, with many compelling aspects to the gameplay. The visuals are stunning, the gameplay is simple and it can easily be played for an hour or five. However, it can become very tedious and frustrating in later levels. And because of the great simplicity of the game itself, frustrated players can find themselves losing interest in the game itself. It's a compelling game for puzzle lovers, but I would suggest caution for others who find themselves getting easily frustrated by having to juggle multiple aspects at once. ”
read full review ↗ - 91Iron BrigadeAug 7, 2011
“Trenched delivers a lot for its 1200 Microsoft Points tag. It is a new perspective on tower defense and it makes for some frantic gameplay moments, but it does not skimp on the strategic style of it one bit. The action is exciting and the comedy writing is there and really sells it. Double Fine has created a download that is definitely worth your time. ”
read full review ↗ - 92Alice: Madness ReturnsJun 14, 2011
“Alice: Madness Returns reminds me a lot of classic N64 platformers like Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie in the best of ways. By mixing a dark reimagining of a literary classic with stylish combat and rock-solid platforming, EA and Spicy Horse have created a gaming experience quite unlike any other. At any rate, its miles better than the lacklustre Tim Burton movie released last year. This is one rabbit hole worth tumbling down. ”
read full review ↗ - 70L.A. NoireJun 8, 2011
“One thing I need to say before I forget her: this was an adventure title through and through. On the outside one might get a glimpse and think "She's just like the girl down the street, Grand Theft Auto", but make no mistake: this here dame shares more in common with a point-and-click title more than any other genre.”
read full review ↗ - 95Red Faction®: Armageddon™Jun 5, 2011
“Honestly if not for some minor complaints Red Faction Armageddon would be a damn near perfect game. As it is, this is a strong contender for best game of the year for its fantastic mix of intense action, fun character customization that changes how you play the game, great graphics and all around fantastic gameplay experience. Even the minor flaws are easily ignored and most will likely not even notice them, as wrapped up in the game as they will be.”
read full review ↗ - 83Shift 2 UnleashedMay 11, 2011
“Overall, Shift 2 Unleashed is a fantastic driving game that should satisfy fans on either side of the arcade/simulation spectrum. The game may not be as sheer fun as Hot Pursuit was only six months ago, but could easily occupy a cherished spot on your shelf right next to it. ”
read full review ↗ - 95Portal 2May 4, 2011
“Fantastic writing, excellent gameplay, and a level of polish and playtesting so high that you know it's got to be a Valve title, Portal 2 is simply a game that can not be missed. ”
read full review ↗ - 95StackingFeb 14, 2011
“Stacking is a fantastic game with some actual content, challenge (so long as you avoid the hint system) and it has a whole lot of charm. ”
read full review ↗ - 90Dead Space™ 2Jan 25, 2011
“In the end, it's a little hard for Dead Space 2 to live up to the breath of fresh air that was the original game, but it manages to follow the same path exceptionally well. Sure, it's not as groundbreaking and shocking as the original was upon release, but the sequel is a tighter, more focused, and scarier excursion into the unknown void of space.”
read full review ↗ - 85Dead Rising® 2Jan 11, 2011
“The thing about the Dead Rising series is that it's pretty unique. Killing hordes of zombies with a huge variety of improvised weaponry isn't a genre present anywhere else. It's a great game to just mess around in, picking up random clothing, smashing zombie heads in and fighting away psychopaths.”
read full review ↗ - 50nail'dDec 19, 2010
“In a strange way, I respect the intent behind a game like Nail'd, and I don't generally like tearing down the hard work of a smaller publisher. Unfortunately, shallow gameplay, a myriad of glitches, boring and repetitive objectives, a non-existent online community, average at best graphics all conspire to make Nail'd a game destined to be forgotten in the bargain bin of your local games store.”
read full review ↗ - 90VanquishDec 15, 2010
“Vanquish is fun, it's exciting and it's a fresh take on the cover based shooter that breathes a bit of originality into the genre.”
read full review ↗