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 23 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 12 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.
- +33Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – The Definitive Editionoutlet 100 · players 67
- -36To the Moonoutlet 60 · players 96 · Sep 2012
- +12The Evil Withinoutlet 80 · players 68 · Oct 2014
- -44PAYDAY™ The Heistoutlet 50 · players 94 · Oct 2011
- -33Shadow Warrioroutlet 60 · players 94 · Oct 2013
- -53Serious Sam Classic: The First Encounteroutlet 40 · players 93
- -31Natural Selection 2outlet 60 · players 91 · Feb 2013
- -37FINAL FANTASYoutlet 50 · players 87
- -36Rock of Agesoutlet 60 · players 96 · Oct 2011
- +5Split/Secondoutlet 80 · players 75
Recent reviews (144 tracked)
- 90Middle-earth™: Shadow of Mordor™Jun 12, 2015
“For people who are alright with playing fifteen hours or so of Helm’s Deep-style carnage, Shadow of Mordor is a delight – and even for people who couldn’t care less about Lord of the Rings, the exciting combat and unique Nemesis System are more than enough to make the experience worthwhile.”
read full review ↗ - 60Dying LightFeb 21, 2015
“It’s a shame those moments aren’t more frequent, though, because I really wanted to like Dying Light more than I did. I still wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it if you’re in need of some schlocky fun, there are just some caveats clutching on to this recommendation that even a bloody hatchet won’t fix.”
read full review ↗ - 70Far Cry® 4Dec 5, 2014
“It’s just so cluttered by other stuff that it ends up being a slog to get through once you’re nearing the home stretch.”
read full review ↗ - 70This War of MineNov 26, 2014
“This War of Mine is a soul crushing thing to consider as entertainment. It is going to make you feel bad and absorb the consequences of your actions. It exists as a piece of indie expression that shows the actual grayness that is inherent in all conflict. There is no winning.”
read full review ↗ - 90Grand Theft Auto V LegacyNov 19, 2014
“A spit-shined re-release of one of the most ambitious games of last generation is nothing to be flip about, especially with just how polished this version feels.”
read full review ↗ - 60Dead Rising 3 Apocalypse EditionNov 14, 2014
“All in all, Dead Rising 3 is a fun, open world zombie-splattering experience that is notably let down by a weak narrative, derivative boss fights and too much emphasis on using crazy weapons to obliterate scores of undead.”
read full review ↗ - 80The Evil WithinOct 26, 2014
“For better or worse, The Evil Within is essentially Mikami’s survival horror greatest hits. ”
read full review ↗ - 90Alien: IsolationOct 23, 2014
“Alien: Isolation is a triumph and one of my favourite horror games ever. That it features such an iconic antagonist is the cherry on top of a delightfully terrifying cake.”
read full review ↗ - 60METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROESJul 3, 2014
“There might be an interesting game in this engine, but it’s not here, not yet, and as a result Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is at best a very expensive demo that should only be approached with the lowest expectations.”
read full review ↗ - 90Wolfenstein: The New OrderJun 2, 2014
“This is still a thrilling shooter with a refreshing fondness for its old school roots, but it’s the characters, storytelling and the horrifying themes it explores – ambitions that far exceed anyone’s expectations – that makes it such a memorable experience.”
read full review ↗ - 80OlliOlliFeb 11, 2014
“It successfully mixes elements from its own genre and simple but addictive endless runners.”
read full review ↗ - 80The Banner SagaFeb 3, 2014
“Each choice feels incredibly meaningful because it affects everything.”
read full review ↗ - 100The Stanley ParableOct 21, 2013
“It’s just a terrific experience, somehow managing to gratify with choices that seemingly mean nothing, achieving this feat with a phenomenal central performance, expert writing and ceaseless creativity.”
read full review ↗ - 60Shadow WarriorOct 13, 2013
“It’s a game full of hits and misses, whether it’s the boorish comedy, uneven pacing or erratic level design, but its combat hits more often than not, simple as it may be.”
read full review ↗ - 80OutlastSep 4, 2013
“Lights off and headphones on is a must. Allow yourself to fall deep in Red Barrels’ asylum and the reward is a frightening descent into the bowels of man’s search for greatness. The sound design is exceptional – even more so when considering this is a lower budget production – and the weight of the world is tight.”
read full review ↗