10: A game that lives up to my every expectation--or better yet, surpasses them. The total package. Everything in life comes second to this game until it's completed.
9. A game that is impressive in every way. What many people would give a 10/10. When I look at it, I can't really say anything bad about it but it's still missing something I just can't put my finger on.
8. A very good game that is just shy of excellence. Fun gameplay. Maybe it has some technical issues. Maybe it has some great ideas that weren't fully realized. Still worth buying on day one.
7. A good game. Not really a "must play" but when you play it, you enjoy it and feel quite satisfied. A sleeper hit.
6. A good game with some issues that just can't be overlooked. Poor button placement, awkward controls, long load times--on their own, they could be overlooked but this game is too unpolished in too many areas to be considered great. Worth buying only if you're interested in the subject matter and it's the only option.
5. A game that is just "there". Doesn't do excel in any particular area. Doesn't do enought things bad to make me hate it. No emotional attachment to it whatsoever. A time waster.
4. A game that wouldn't even be purchased if it wasn't heavily discounted. It may have one or two good things going for it. A curious purchase or a rental.
3. A game that takes your expectations and ruins it. May actually be better than a 5/10 or maybe even a 6/10 but it took something that should have been good/great and totally blew it. This is more of an emotional score than anything. Reserved for shitty sequels that fall way short of what their predeccessor offers.
2. At least it works. Not even worth opening if it's given as a gift. (DS shovelware like Flight Attendent, Kawasaki Jet Ski for the Wii).
1. A game that makes you regret playing it the second you start. Absolutely no redeeming value whatsoever. Poor graphics, poor controls. An embarrassment of a video game. You actually feel angry playing it. Not even a "so bad it's funny" type of game. (Wii Shovelware/Xbox Live Indie game cash grabs).
