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SteamDeckHQ
61

SteamDeckHQ

Press123 reviews on recordTrust score from 119 scored reviews vs. playerswebsite ↗

matches players
Bias
within ~9 pts
Vs player sentiment
0.30
Ranks like players
119
Games compared

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.

65
Alignment (40%)
72
Decoded accuracy (30%)
43
Player-side (30%)

Controversy record: on 14 games where press consensus and players sharply disagreed, this reviewer sided with players 5 times.

Computed 26m 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 (140 tracked)

  • 80
    Blood DungeonAug 25, 2026

    Blood Dungeon is an addictive roguelike with fast-paced action and tons of charm. The crude drawings mix extremely well with the gameplay loop, which is frantic and has fantastic mechanics. Not all of the upgrades feel impactful, but it’s enough to keep me hooked and wanting to keep playing more and more.

    read full review ↗
  • 90
    Mortal Shell IIAug 17, 2026

    Mortal Shell 2 is a fantastic soulslike that felt rewarding to play through and experiment with. The way the progression systems work encourages trying new ways to play, and I can feel the differences as we continually try new things and get stronger. The story is easier to follow than others in the genre, and the world is creepy and beautiful. Some of the camera angles can be a little obnoxious, but at the end of the day, this is one of the best soulslikes out there.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    DuskfadeAug 13, 2026

    Duskfade is a love letter to the classic PS2 Action Platformers, and does a great job of living up to it. While it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was definitely nostalgic in its feel, with a solid story and great combat that gets better as time goes on. The movement and platforming aren’t as consistent as I’d like, but I still found a lot of enjoyment exploring the beautiful world.

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  • 90
    The Mermaid MaskAug 12, 2026

    The Mermaid Mask is that wonderful blend of mechanics, setting, and storytelling that all just works, to quote a certain Bethesda bloke. While it is ‘just a point-and-click puzzle game’, it is much greater than the sum of its parts, and I loved almost everything about it.

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  • 70

    ReStory is an enjoyable electronics repair simulator that excels at setting and nostalgia-inducing products to repair. It was so fulfilling being able to work on old devices I've come up with, like PSPs, DS, BlackBerrys, and Atari consoles, and the mid-2000s Japan setting really sets the mood nicely. The cast of characters is great, and the story is decent when it isn’t confusing, but it’s very easy to fall into a repetitive cycle that shuts out a lot of the variety that comes from all the devices we can work on.

    read full review ↗
  • 60

    Interesting concepts and a solid presentation don't do enough to save The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu from a sense of being rushed, with its lackluster gameplay and poor progression.

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  • 80
    Corsair CoveJul 28, 2026

    Corsair Cove cleverly combines city building with seafaring exploration and alternates enough to prevent either from getting stale. With a beautiful environment combined with a sizable tech tree, there's plenty to keep you entertained here.

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  • 90
    Denshattack!Jul 17, 2026

    Denshattack! surprised me in many ways. Its constant action, accessible mechanics, and vibrant, cinematic visuals create a magical experience that can’t be found regularly. Each stage offers something new, whether it be different objectives or completely different events that change how we play it out.

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  • 80
    FogpiercerJul 17, 2026

    Fogpiercer offers a unique take on the deck-building roguelite genre, with a focus on understanding how your cards can be used together against a challenging but fair array of enemies. Progression is limited, and the storyline is close to non-existent, but the gameplay is its saving grace.

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  • 90
    Star FoxJul 10, 2026

    Star Fox is an arcade-style release you don't see much these days. It excels in its core gameplay, visuals, and sound design, making it an easy recommendation for newcomers looking to try one of Nintendo's oldest franchises with a modern coat of paint and a few nifty extras.

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  • 70
    Cat Mail Co.Jul 9, 2026

    Cat Mail Co. is a cozy/casual game that places a strong emphasis on organization. If you lack organization, prepare to feel overwhelmed and stressed, but those with good planning and patience will find a relaxing, take-it-at-your-own-pace gameplay loop.

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  • 100

    Rhythm Heaven Groove is Nintendo at its handheld best, and that also happens to be my favorite kind of Nintendo. It is essential for rhythm game fans, and I'm going to go back to replaying older stages literally after sending this review in. The wait for a new Rhythm Heaven was long, but Tsunku and Nintendo have delivered what I consider a tie for my favorite game of 2026 with Forza Horizon 6, and I'm not just saying that because both feature Ado.

    read full review ↗
  • 70

    Zero Parades is a somewhat baffling, sometimes broken, and sometimes captivating experience. Given the history, I do not blame people for coming into this with a wary eye. The somewhat rough optimization, buggy technical state, and sporadic voice acting are a bit frustrating, but despite these things holding the game back, I surprised myself by getting drawn into the world of Zero Parades.

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  • 80
    Gothic 1 RemakeJun 15, 2026

    Gothic 1 Remake is exactly the kind of RPG I wish we saw more often. It doesn't try to impress you with constant cutscenes or turn you into a hero within the first few hours. Instead, it drops you into a dangerous and punishing world and lets you earn everything yourself. Not every mechanic is great; some systems feel outdated, and there are definitely moments where the game tests your patience. But when everything comes together, the sense of progression and adventure is inescapable.

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  • 80

    Ultimately, I had a wonderful time playing Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. The focus on experimentation with a multitude of different creatures in a gorgeous storybook setting works well, and creates the gameplay loop that I not only enjoyed, but that I can’t remember experiencing before. It’s a little on the easy side, and can feel very repetitive towards the end, but there’s still a lot to enjoy.

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