Video Game Rating Methodology

 

PRIMARY CHARACTERISTICS


1. Gameplay and Mechanics

  • Controls & Responsiveness: How intuitive and fluid are the controls? Do they enhance or hinder the player’s experience?
  • Game Mechanics & Balance: Are the mechanics innovative or derivative? Is there a good balance between challenge and reward?
  • Replayability: Does the game offer lasting value through multiple playthroughs, diverse paths, or post-game content?


2. Visuals and Art Direction

  • Graphics Quality: Evaluate the technical aspects (resolution, frame rate) and the artistic style. Does the visual presentation enhance the atmosphere of the game?
  • Art Direction: Consider the design choices, color schemes, and overall aesthetic. Does the style fit the game's theme and narrative?


3. Story and Narrative

  • Plot and Character Development: Is the storyline engaging? Are the characters well-developed and memorable?
  • Dialogue and Script: How well is the narrative delivered through dialogue, cutscenes, and in-game storytelling?


4. Audio and Music

  • Sound Design: Does the game create an immersive environment through its audio effects?
  • Musical Score: Is the soundtrack memorable and does it complement the gameplay and narrative?


5. Technical Performance

  • Stability & Optimization: How well does the game run on different platforms? Consider load times, bugs, and crashes.
  • User Interface (UI) & Experience (UX): Is the game’s interface intuitive and easy to navigate? Does it contribute positively to the overall experience?
  • Multiplayer Experience: For games with online components, assess the quality of matchmaking, server stability, and community behavior.


6. Innovation and Originality

  • Creative Elements: Does the game bring new ideas or mechanics to the table? How does it compare to similar titles in the genre?
  • Cultural Impact: Has the game influenced trends in the industry or established new standards?


7. Value (for Money at MSRP)

  • Pricing vs. Content: Is the game "worth" its price based on the amount of content, replayability, and overall quality? (in the eyes of the reviewer)
  • DLCs and Microtransactions: Does any additional content or in-game purchases enhance or detract from the experience?


SCORING


1–10 Rating Scale Framework


  • 1–2: Abysmal / Unplayable
    • These games are fundamentally flawed. They might suffer from severe technical issues, poor design, or lack any redeeming qualities. These titles often leave players frustrated and disappointed.
    • Feeling: “This game is a nightmare from start to finish.”


  • 3–4: Poor / Subpar

    • These games have significant issues—whether in gameplay, technical performance, or narrative—that seriously impede enjoyment. They may show some effort or interesting ideas, but the execution falls short.
    • Feeling: “There are sparks of potential, but the experience is mostly tedious or unsatisfying.”


  • 5–6: Mediocre / Below Average
    • These games offer a basic level of enjoyment. While they are generally playable and might have moments of fun or innovation, they lack consistency or polish. They can be seen as “okay” but not something to rave about.

    • Feeling: “It’s a decent time-killer, but nothing extraordinary stands out.”


  • 7: Average / Solid

    • These games meets the standard for a quality experience. It’s enjoyable, reliable, and delivers on its promises with some minor imperfections. This is a game someone would likely play because it’s fun and engaging, even if it doesn’t break new ground.

    • Feeling: “This game is a solid choice—entertaining and enjoyable, with enough quality to make it worth your time.”


  • 8: Good / Well-Crafted

    • These games excel in several areas. They present strong gameplay, appealing visuals, and engaging storytelling, though they might have minor issues. These titles often feel refined and rewarding.

    • Feeling: “A thoroughly enjoyable game that impresses with its quality and depth.”


  • 9: Excellent / Exceptional

    • These games are near exemplary. They demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship, innovation, and polish. While there may be very few minor flaws, the overall experience is outstanding.

    • Feeling: “A standout game that offers an immersive and unforgettable experience.”


  • 10: Masterpiece / Flawless

    • A perfect score is reserved for games that set new standards in the industry. They excel in every category and create a lasting impact on players. These are rare gems that offer a nearly flawless experience.

    • Feeling: “An exceptional achievement in game design that defines the genre.”


METHODOLOGY

In applying this rating system, I hope to inject a bit of objectiveness into my process and not just go with a gut feeling. Each characteristic will be evaluated and scored according to my personal experience, but taking into account feedback from other critics or users, if they differ significantly from my own experience. 

Then I'll assign each category a score, and then assign an overall score to the entire game experience. Taking the individual scores from all characteristics into consideration, but not necessarily calculating a weighted average of all the individual scores. The game's overall score will be holistically determined, given how I feel about the entire experience.

I hope this makes my reviews more worthwhile and valuable than a simple gut feeling or opinion.

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