Review Scale Exemplars
Every single person on this site has a different perspective on what a 3/10 really means. This is what I typically think of when rating a game! This idea is taken from psychbomb, at least that's the furthest back I've seen it done.
10 Games
1/10 - Bottom
Games that genuinely make me frustrated to play and think about. Not in some artful way either, just pure sludge.
Games that genuinely make me frustrated to play and think about. Not in some artful way either, just pure sludge.
2/10 - Terrible
These games aren't terribly bad, but that isn't much of a complement. Most if not all ideas here do not work. Likely unfocused.
These games aren't terribly bad, but that isn't much of a complement. Most if not all ideas here do not work. Likely unfocused.
3/10 - Forgettable
Arguably the worst rating a game could get. Not good enough to receive a mixed review, and not bad enough to laugh at. Uninteresting.
Arguably the worst rating a game could get. Not good enough to receive a mixed review, and not bad enough to laugh at. Uninteresting.
4/10 - Bad
I genuinely do not like these games. Usually one of two scenarios. Sometimes I understand what the game is going for, I just don't like it. Other times I would like what it was trying to be, it just failed to reach the mark.
I genuinely do not like these games. Usually one of two scenarios. Sometimes I understand what the game is going for, I just don't like it. Other times I would like what it was trying to be, it just failed to reach the mark.
5/10 - Mediocre
The classic mixed bag. A lot of good stuff, a lot of bad stuff. In all honesty, a 5/10 and a 6/10 are pretty similar in actual rating. It just depends on my disposition.
The classic mixed bag. A lot of good stuff, a lot of bad stuff. In all honesty, a 5/10 and a 6/10 are pretty similar in actual rating. It just depends on my disposition.
6/10 - Average
These games are ok! There is something here to be excited about, but most of the thoughts I have are usually about how to make the core appeal stronger, or less obscured. Excited to see what the devs behind these do next.
These games are ok! There is something here to be excited about, but most of the thoughts I have are usually about how to make the core appeal stronger, or less obscured. Excited to see what the devs behind these do next.
7/10 - Solid Stuff
Unambiguously good games. Still has some issues, but a strong core identity is starting to develop.
Unambiguously good games. Still has some issues, but a strong core identity is starting to develop.
8/10 - Great
Ideally, this is where every game would show up. It has a clear core identity, and designs its narrative, gameplay, and aesthetic around said core.
Ideally, this is where every game would show up. It has a clear core identity, and designs its narrative, gameplay, and aesthetic around said core.
9/10 - Fantastic!
This is where I feel a games core identity has been fully developed. Focused in all elements it deems important.
This is where I feel a games core identity has been fully developed. Focused in all elements it deems important.
10/10 - Personal Favorite
I think some people view the 10/10 as a sign of perfection, or something theoretically close to that mark. I personally don't agree with that. More than anything else, a 10/10 to me is just a sign that the game is a personal favorite. If you were to remove my strong personal bias, these would be comparable to the 9/10s.
I think some people view the 10/10 as a sign of perfection, or something theoretically close to that mark. I personally don't agree with that. More than anything else, a 10/10 to me is just a sign that the game is a personal favorite. If you were to remove my strong personal bias, these would be comparable to the 9/10s.