That's because the component scores aren't all equally important, so an average is illogical. Also, component scores can only be given to multiples of 0.5, and many games are better than the sum of their parts- on paper, they don't sound great, but "fun", the most important part of the game, is too subjective to have its own sub-category.

I wonder sometimes if IGN shouldn't just go to a weighted average with their review scores, everyone averages it anyway. At least then they could do it the way they want to and wouldn't get flamed by all the people who can't even be arsed to read (not an average), come on! It's 3 words!

"Fantastic story that's one of the best in gaming. Stellar dialog as well."

That's all I wanted to hear.

Im surprised with the score differences between IGN/IGN UK. Interesting.


Still, great scores and great reviews.

glad it got a good review.
I cancelled my pre-order though. I'm gonna wait a bit to get this game because the more I hear, the less I think I'll enjoy it.

Wow, great score for a great game, sadly it's not my type, but if i have money, i will make sure i will try it.

well this just makes heavy rain look even better... even IGN that is bias give it a good score...

Pleasant surprise. I was expecting the reviews to be lukewarm since the game is quite different than the norm.

that looks really exciting. I'm gonna give it a rent as soon as possible, but 8 hours is not long enough to consider buying even with multiple endings. I don't have the time to do everything in every game anymore and it's not worth paying $60 instead of $4 just so i can play it a few more times.

8.5 for graphics? Great score though.