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 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 (28 tracked)
- 67
“As it stands right now, the game definitely has a "rushed out the door" feel to it, so let's hope for substantial downloadable content. [Jan 2004, p.66]”
- 100
“Stripped of its hype-induced hysteria and lore, and isolated as a pure action showcase, Half-Life 2 is one of the most satisfying efforts in recent years. [Dec 2004, p.82]”
- 65
“FlatOut 2, as a racing game, is competent, but marred by a poor sense of speed. [Aug 2006, p.63]”
- 90
“To say that Psychonauts as finally brought the platforming epic out of the kiddy pool (if indeed you considered it wading there) would be a gross understatement. [Apr 2005, p.20]”
- 85
“There's no better entry point to the "Total War" series than Medieval 2. [Jan. 2007, p.94]”
- 85
“Tactical, yet just as fun as any single-player romp, skillfully laid out and nicely scored, Star Wars: Republic Commando lives up to its billing and them some. [March 2005, p.55]”
- 95
“But value and longevity be damned, it’s the emotional impact Modern Warfare 2 brings to the table that in the end deserves the highest of praise.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Some games need to be on your hard drive, for yourself, your family, your friends. Machinarium is one of them. It’s a supremely accessible, lavishly illustrated, and beautifully scored point and click adventure, with charmingly conceived (at times madly detailed) puzzles, genuine humor, and tin men with big hearts.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“When it comes to balls-to-the-wall kitchen sink FPSs, Sam is the man. [Dec 2005, p.66]”
- 75
“Dungeons and Dragons Online will provide a nice vacation from the epic raid game and a great alternative for players that prefer regular grouping in their online RPG's. [Apr 2006, p.77]”
- 100
“Treasure has crafted another masterpiece of hyper-tuned overhead shooter action, the likes of which the world may never see again. [Apr 2003, p.57]”
- 75
“There's no better fodder for the boneheaded premise of old-school RE... than the high school slasher flick, and ObsCure serves it up right. [May 2005, p.50]”
- 80
“The game is also beautiful beyond measure, with water, weaving grass, snow, mud, and other terrain effects that, at least for now, are pretty much unequalled, and boast sound effects to match. [Oct 2002, p.68]”
- 75
“Some may balk at the limited modes of play; the game as a whole is a bit underdeveloped, and the single-player skirmished do run light, but things truly heat up when you go online, warring in teams of eight on eight. [Oct 2004, p.73]”
- 45
“My feelings are a lot less mixed about the fact that the Anniversary project is basically just a PSP post of "Dawn of Souls" with the two games sold separately. [June 2007, p.83]”