| Graphics
The term "Graphics" for the purposes of
our reviews relates directly to all visual displays and variants. This includes
animation, frame rate, polygon count, textures etc. For the purposes of an individual
titles' score, the title shall be rated against other titles from the same generation,
i.e. an Xbox title shall be compared with other Xbox, GameCube and PlayStation2 titles. Ratings
0-10, 10 being the highest.
Sound
The term "Sound" for the purposes of our
reviews relates directly to all audio variations. This includes Stereo/Mono/5.1
Systems, clarity, pitch etc. For the purposes of an individual titles' score, the title
shall be rated against other titles from the same generation, i.e. an Game Boy
Advance title shall be compared with other Game Boy Advance, N-Gage, Wonder Swan,
Neo-Geo Pocket etc titles. Ratings 0-10, 10 being the highest.
Originality
Under the term "Originality", the title is rated for many
things. The uniqueness of the title, how much more it offers to the genre that spawned it,
and what of those will became stablemates for the genre. It also defines how much direct
competition a game faces if nothing new is offered, or how much a game depends on it's
predecessors or inspiration. Games which set the pace for the industry will receive a high
Originality rating, when they can possibly be remakes or updates. Games which offer
nothing new or appear to be entirely modelled around the basic formula for their specific
genre will receive a low Originality rating. Ratings 0-10, 10 being
the highest.
Gameplay
Above all else, is the game fun? A game which may receive a low
Originality rating, but may accomplish what the title sets out to whilst offering maximum
enjoyment may still recieve a high score. This rating is in no way dependant on the other
ratings, and judges specifically if the game is worth playing. Ratings
0-10, 10 being the highest.
Final Score
The Final Score judges everything about the title. It is rated as a percentage,
allowing the maximum definition of a title. Each of the possible results is described
below:
0-10% - An incredibly weak title. A title receiving this
result is not a game worthy of release.
11-20% - A title with no relevance and was not ready for
release. To be avoided.
21-30% - Showing some determination but offers little as a
result.
31-40% - A game that has some spark, but falls at the first
hurdle. A title that may be worth playing for a fan of the genre.
41-50% - A title which, again, had something to offer, but
should really only be treated as a "game for the weekend".
51-60% - A moderate score. A game that may have a little flair
or a something new and can easily be seen as a worthy title. Flaws such as rushed
development or poor controls may attribute to a title receiving this score.
61-70% - An above average game. A title that may not excel at
any one feature, but is a complete and fun package.
71-80% - A good title. The game can be relied on as a solid,
playable, fun experience. The title may push a few boundaries of it's genre, and has be
worthy of its time in development.
81-90% - A little gem. The game pushes forth the
industry and can be seen as revolutionary. Minor flaws are easily ignored when compared to
the charm of the game is realised.
91-100% - A milestone in gaming history. A title eligible for
such a high honour is rarely seen and should be played by all. The release of such a title
has impact on it's specific genre of revolutionary proportions and will be discussed with
the arrival of competitors on future generation of games consoles. |
