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 9 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.
- +38Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™outlet 90 · players 52 · Dec 2014
- -35Scribblenauts Unlimitedoutlet 60 · players 95 · Feb 2013
- +14Batman™: Arkham Knightoutlet 80 · players 66 · Jul 2015
- -30Deadlightoutlet 60 · players 90 · Sep 2012
- -22Prototype 2outlet 70 · players 93 · Jul 2012
- -15Call of Duty®: Black Ops IIoutlet 70 · players 86 · Dec 2012
- -25LYNEoutlet 70 · players 95 · Mar 2014
- -20State of Decayoutlet 70 · players 90 · Sep 2013
- -14The Vanishing of Ethan Carteroutlet 70 · players 84 · Dec 2014
- +13The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing IIoutlet 80 · players 67 · Jun 2014
Recent reviews (79 tracked)
- 80Batman™: Arkham KnightJul 7, 2015
“Arkham Knight is certainly a bigger, and in many ways a better game than its predecessors, but those attempts to make it ‘more badass’ do more harm than good. Even so, any frustrations I have with Arkham Knight don’t take away from the fact that I was unable to stop playing for four days straight, frequently in awe. It’s a stunning achievement in many ways, a game of ridiculous polish and obvious effort, and its best moments are good enough to make the worst moments worth bearing.”
read full review ↗ - 90Ori and the Blind ForestApr 3, 2015
“Stunningly beautiful visuals, a wonderfully grounded score, and effortlessly graceful controls make Ori a must-have for anyone looking for the new exemplar of ability-gated platforming.”
read full review ↗ - 100BloodborneApr 3, 2015
“Bloodborne is intricate, deep, rewarding and terrifying all at the same time. ”
read full review ↗ - 80Halo: The Master Chief CollectionFeb 9, 2015
“Utterly broken right now, but the central appeal of four Halos on one disc is irresistible. [Issue#257, p.54]”
- 80LittleBigPlanet 3Feb 9, 2015
“Super fun on your own, but needs more freedom in co-op. [Issue#257, p.72]”
- 80Game of Thrones: Episode One - Iron From IceFeb 9, 2015
“The main characters are somewhat derivative, but the narrative is thrilling. [Issue#257, p.68]”
- 80This War of MineFeb 9, 2015
“Not many games can claim to be "edifying." I think this one can. [Issue#257, p.75]”
- 80Company of Heroes 2 - Ardennes AssaultFeb 9, 2015
“Great strategic action, made better by the addition of an open campaign. Some tutorials would have been nice. [Issue#257, p.71]”
- 80Forza Horizon 2Dec 2, 2014
“Cherry picks the best parts of a number of other racing games to wonderful effect. [Issue#255, p.72]”
- 100Bayonetta 2Dec 2, 2014
“Yes, even with sh.tty story and questionable gender politics. [Issue#255, p.64]”
- 90Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™Dec 2, 2014
“Almost perfect 4X fun. [Issue#255, p.45]”
- 70The Vanishing of Ethan CarterDec 2, 2014
“An intriguing and gorgeous little game that's sure to frustrate as well as captivate. [Issue#255, p.48]”
- 70Danganronpa 2: Goodbye DespairOct 17, 2014
“An improvement in some ways, but a let down in others. [Issue#254, p.63]”
- 70The Sims™ 4Oct 17, 2014
“[Pictogram of mild disappointment] [Issue#254, p.62]”
- 80The Wolf Among UsOct 16, 2014
“A grim, tight, wonderful story of prostitution, loan-sharking and power plays. [Issue#254, p.59]”