Do some games get higher scores simply because of their name?

[theRepublic]

I believe it.

I don't think it is entirely intentional though. Fond memories of Super Mario Bros. or Super Mario 64 are going to color your reviews of the sequels. Let's not forget Famousringo's sig either:

"The worst part about these reviews is they are [subjective]--and their scores often depend on how drunk you got the media at a Street Fighter event."

— Mona Hamilton, Capcom Senior VP of Marketing