What are reliable, balanced sources for PC open-world RPG reviews?

[HannahL]

I'm trying to decide whether to buy the new open-world fantasy RPG that just released, but I'm finding the landscape of video game reviews incredibly polarized; the major gaming sites seem overly generous with their scores, while user reviews are flooded with outrage over microtransactions or day-one bugs. I'm looking for a more nuanced, middle-ground perspective that discusses the actual gameplay loop, narrative depth, and technical performance on PC without the hype or hate. For gamers who share this frustration, where do you go for reliable, in-depth critiques that aren't afraid to point out both strengths and flaws? Are there specific YouTube channels, independent websites, or even curated Steam reviewers you trust to give you an honest picture of whether a game is worth your time and money, especially for a genre known for being a massive time investment?