 Review Guidelines |
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Every review title is rated in four specific areas. In each case, FIVE is the baseline. Games earning a FIVE are neither remarkably bad nor remarkably good in that category. A ZERO rating indicates the game is overridingly bad, with no good points to speak of, while a TEN is reserved for titles that are perfect examples of that attribute. A reviewer will take the technical limitations of handhelds into account, but there is one set of standards applied across all consoles. The four categories are: Graphics: The visual impact of a game. In practice, more detailed and lifelike graphics score higher, but a writer will also reward meticulous cartoon-style animation. Sound: The effective use of music and sound effects. The more convincing the aural atmosphere, the higher the score. Gameplay: The interest level the game itself generates. A mix of fun factor, control, and intangibles, this category judges a game on how effective it is at keeping a player hooked. Replay Value: How much the game warrants a second play-through. The genre weighs into the final score, as the replay value of an RPG or adventure will never approach the replay value of a sports title or fighter. In addition, each game is assigned a letter grade from A+ to F. A+ is set aside for classic titles that the reviewer thinks will be valued by most gamers for the foreseeable future. C is for average games that bring nothing new or exciting to the table. F titles are absolutely worthless, beyond even being laughably bad. There is no E rating.
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