Criteria for Scoring:
The Score that I give each game is based on a detailed system, which I designed so I could rate games in a fair and consistent manner. Each game gets a score from 1-10 in 10 different categories, which add up to the game's final score out of 100.
Below are some of the questions I consider when determining a game's score in the various categories. Each category is made up of a few elements (such as music, sound effects, and voice work under Sound) and all of these elements are taken into account when determining the score out of 10. So while one element may be great (music for example), the category score (Sound) may be low if other elements had issues (like poor voice work).
Concept -
How cool or original is the overall concept of the game?
How much does it innovate on previous installments or others in the genre?
Fun Factor -
How entertaining is the game? How frustrating is it?
Replay Value -
Is the game fun or addicting enough to play multiple times?
Are there extra modes or multiple levels of difficulty?
Is there multiplayer? How much replay value does it have?
Mechanics -
How functional is the game? Does everything work?
Are there any bugs or glitches? How serious are they?
Do the controls and camera work? Or do they frustrate?
Playability -
How good is the mission or level design?
Are the missions/levels diverse, or do they repeat/get old quickly?
Balance -
Is the game too easy or too difficult? Is the learning curve steep?
If there is multiplayer, how well balanced is it?
How complex or effective is the AI? (for enemies, allies & NPC's)
Immersion -
Do the game's components work together to pull you in?
Does the game's atmosphere or tone contribute to the experience?
Are the environments destructible/interactive? Do physics work?
Does the game have character development or customization? i.e. skills/stats that can improve?
Are there choices? Do the choices affect the gameplay or story?
Story -
Does the game present motivations for the player?
Is there a story or campaign? How engaging or unique is it?
How effective is the game's dialogue?
Look -
How good are the graphics?
How unique is the art direction or visual design?
Sound -
How good is the music?
Do the sound effects contribute? Do they get annoying?
How good is the voice work?
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Rating System
[100] PERFECTION- If you haven't played this game, you fail.
[90-99] Lady's Choice- An outstanding title with unique ideas, high replay value, and very few flaws.
[80-89] Great- A game that does almost everything right & has some new ideas.
[70-79] Good- Slightly ahead of the pack, and good for a few runs through.
[60-69] Average- Works fine except for a few minor flaws, but does nothing new.
[50-59] Below Average- Some obvious problems mar an otherwise decent game.
[40-49] Flawed- Major problems outweigh anything good or new here.
[30-39] Bad- A game with big problems and no redeeming qualities.
[20-29] Rotten- Riddled with errors, this game is boring and frustrating.
[10-19] Painful- A totally flawed game without a shred of entertainment value.
[0-9] Bastard- Not even the developer's mother liked this game.
[90-99] Lady's Choice- An outstanding title with unique ideas, high replay value, and very few flaws.
[80-89] Great- A game that does almost everything right & has some new ideas.
[70-79] Good- Slightly ahead of the pack, and good for a few runs through.
[60-69] Average- Works fine except for a few minor flaws, but does nothing new.
[50-59] Below Average- Some obvious problems mar an otherwise decent game.
[40-49] Flawed- Major problems outweigh anything good or new here.
[30-39] Bad- A game with big problems and no redeeming qualities.
[20-29] Rotten- Riddled with errors, this game is boring and frustrating.
[10-19] Painful- A totally flawed game without a shred of entertainment value.
[0-9] Bastard- Not even the developer's mother liked this game.
Buying Guide System
[100] You don't own this already???
[90-99] A best-buy with tons of content
[80-89] A good choice for any gamer
[70-79] Worth it for fans of the genre
[60-69] Not worth $60, but buy it used
[50-59] Only try this if its on discount
[40-49] Try it if it's free, but not otherwise
[30-39] Not worth your time, even if free
[20-29] Run from this game
[10-19] Warn your friends to stay away
[0-9] Only play this if you're being paid to
[90-99] A best-buy with tons of content
[80-89] A good choice for any gamer
[70-79] Worth it for fans of the genre
[60-69] Not worth $60, but buy it used
[50-59] Only try this if its on discount
[40-49] Try it if it's free, but not otherwise
[30-39] Not worth your time, even if free
[20-29] Run from this game
[10-19] Warn your friends to stay away
[0-9] Only play this if you're being paid to