GamerNode - Scoring

Does seeing a number at the bottom of a review perplex you? Worry no longer! Any time you're curious as to what exactly a score means, just consult this handy explanatory page!

A game scoring 10 is one of the greatest games of all time. A 10 here doesn't mean the game is absolutely perfect: it means that we consider it one of the greatest and most fun games we have ever played. Obviously, if it scores a 10 you should start calling local stores to see who has a copy left in stock while you finish reading the review. Every gamer should own these games.

A game scoring 9.0 or 9.5 is a classic in the making. These are the games that years from now, people will bring up in discussion when talking about which games were the best X years ago. They're games we feel everyone who plays games should play, and that just about anyone who plays games will enjoy. Basically, games scoring in this range fall into our "Must buy!" category.

A game scoring 8.0 or 8.5 is a good game. If a game scores in this range, it's something we believe that gamers will like regardless of their usual tastes. It isn't likely that they are legendary, but these will be entertaining for most people, and are easily worth considering when making a new game purchase. You'll remember these games.

A game scoring 7.0 or 7.5 is above average. If a game scores in this range, it is above average, and should be considered a worthy addition to a gamer's collection. It may not offer anything spectacular, but it is still basically enjoyable. For gamers outside of the targeted genre, it may still remain an "average" game - but a better average game.

A game scoring 6.0 or 6.5 is an average game. A game in this range doesn't do a whole lot great, but it doesn't do a whole lot bad, either. All gamers should at least get some entertainment out of this one, although only a small amount will fall in love with it.

A game scoring 5.0 or 5.5 is passable. While not quite up to par that most gamers would enjoy, this one is something genre fans may still get a kick out of. Most likely a generic entry into it's respective genre, it is still playable, but not exactly the type of game you write home about.

A game scoring 4.0 or 4.5 is below average. Genre fans may still get a kick out of it (although not often), and gamers in general may be entertained enough to bother renting the game. It's by no means horrible - it's just not very good.

A game scoring 3.0 or 3.5 is is partially broken. Barring the aspect of the game that is completely broken (whether it be the story, or the combat, or the flight controls) the game would have been a fairly solid title, possibly in the average range. For PC games, these ones may be worth a later look, as developers constantly release patches.

A game scoring 2.0 or 2.5 is broken in many ways. These games are not very fun at all. They might be worth a demo or possible rental at the most, but are so broken they aren't worth anything more. Think of these as the games which may sound cool, but in reality suck.

A game scoring 1.0 or 1.5 is completely broken. There is no hope for these games. If a game is so bad it scores in this range, you are better off using it as a coaster. These games are offensively bad, and are by no means worth your money. Play these only to punish yourselves, or to get those achievement points if you're an addict. Otherwise, pass it up.

A game scoring 0.5 is the worst game of all time. Just because we have to have a 0.5, this needs to be here. While we never anticipate anything scoring this low, if a game does get a 0.5, it will likely become known as the worst game of all time.

A game scoring 0.0 doesn't exist. By mere factor of existing, no game will ever get a 0. If we give a game a 0, something messed up in the backend and it will be fixed shortly. (That, or the world is ending - RUN!)