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 1 game where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 1 time.
Computed 5h 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 (15 tracked)
- 95MONSTER HUNTER RISEDec 3, 2021
“Monster Hunter Rise is absolutely phenomenal. It will be a worthy contender for GOTY but could easily be discussed as Game of the System. [Issue #4, p. 49]”
- 75New Pokemon SnapDec 3, 2021
“New Pokémon Snap looks beautiful and is packed full of exciting Pokémon, but the increased complexity has brought the game to a grinding halt. [Issue #4, p.51]”
- 80Game Builder GarageDec 3, 2021
“Game Builder Garage is great at teaching and can be hilarious to mess about with. Perfect for creative types, not so much for those who just want to play video games. [Issue #4, p.59]”
- 70Pac-Man 99Dec 3, 2021
“Pac-Man 99’s paid-DLC takes the shine off a decent battle royale. That said, fans looking for an action- packed version will enjoy this immensely. [Issue #4, p.68]”
- 90
“This game will punch the highlights out of your hair. It’s a hard and fast retro throwback that was revived for a very good reason. [Issue #3, p.64]”
- 90Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's FuryOct 22, 2021
“An outstanding display of prowess by the development team we know and love. The combination of 3D World and Bowser’s Fury is an absolute bundle of joy. [Issue #3, p.49]”
- 80Hyrule Warriors: Age of CalamityOct 22, 2021
“Of all the champions, AoC is most comparable to Daruk: rough around the edges and simple, but full of heart and grows on you fast. [Issue #3, p.55]”
- 95A Short HikeDec 21, 2020
“A Short Hike is a small but fully realised world: packed with great characters and emotional moments. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon. [Issue #2, p.56]”
- 90Pikmin 3 DeluxeDec 21, 2020
“Pikmin 3 Deluxe is an utter delight from start to finish and those little Pikmin deserve their time in the sun now more than ever. [Issue #2, p.54]”
- 75Super Mario 3D All-StarsDec 21, 2020
“Super Mario 3D All-Stars is three masterpiece games in a lacklustre package thanks to poor upgrades, contrived control choices and barely any extra content. [Issue #2, p. 72]”
- 70Paper Mario: The Origami KingDec 21, 2020
“The Origami King is a game greater than the sum of its parts. It reaffirms Nintendo’s status as king of innovation, even if the folds don’t quite align. [Issue #2, p.66]”
- 75Pokemon Sword / Shield: The Crown TundraDec 21, 2020
“Pokémon fans now have some great new challenges, new Pokémon and more dynamic areas to explore. We wish it had been there from the start. [Issue #2, p.76]”
- 80Super Mario Bros. 35Dec 21, 2020
“Like Tetris 99, Super Mario Bros. 35 is deviously addictive. It’s a clever revision of a classic, although more content may be required to sustain long-term interest. [Issue #2, p.77] ”
- 90Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive EditionJul 16, 2020
“Definitive by name and definitive by nature, XC:DE is as complete a JRPG package as you will find on the Switch – albeit with a few concessions. [Issue 1#1, p.58]”
- 85Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide ClassicsJul 16, 2020
“51 Worldwide Games yearns to expose a forgotten world of entertainment. They're not all winners, but at £34.99 the amount of content here is incredible. [Issue 1#1, p.48]”