Game reviews are a critical tool for players looking to navigate the expansive gaming industry. With so many titles released each year, reviews help us decide where to spend our time and money. However, the systems we use to rate games, the biases behind reviews, and our own personal preferences often complicate the process.
In this article, we’ll explore why common rating systems like the 1-10 scale often fail, propose better alternatives, delve into the biases that shape reviews, and discuss why the most important critic is always you.
Why the 1-10 System Fails Game Reviews
The 1-10 rating system is one of the most common ways to evaluate games, but it’s riddled with flaws that undermine its usefulness. While it promises precision, it often creates confusion.
The Problems with the 1-10 System
- Half the Scale Is Useless
In theory, the 1-10 scale offers a wide range of options, but in practice, scores below 5 are rarely used unless the game is irredeemably bad. This results in a de facto 5-point scale (5-10) disguised as 10 points, which makes the system unnecessarily complex. - Scores Are Hard to Interpret
Without clear definitions for each score, the system leaves players guessing. What’s the actual difference between a 6 and a 7, or a 7 and an 8? Ambiguity makes it difficult to understand how good (or bad) a game really is. - Arbitrary Decimals
Adding decimals to ratings (e.g., 7.8 or 8.3) gives the illusion of precision but rarely communicates anything meaningful. Do we really need to distinguish between an 8.3 and an 8.4? Most readers don’t, and these decimals often distract from more important context.
Why the 1-5 System Works Better
The 1-5 rating scale is a simpler and more effective alternative. By shrinking the range of possible scores, it eliminates the noise and ambiguity of 1-10 ratings. Every point on the scale carries a clear, universally understood meaning:
- 1: Bad – Broken, unenjoyable, or a complete failure.
- 2: Poor – Functional but heavily flawed or unappealing.
- 3: Average – A solid but unremarkable experience.
- 4: Good – A polished, enjoyable game worth playing.
- 5: Excellent – A standout, must-play experience.
This approach gives each rating weight, ensuring every score is meaningful and easy to interpret.
Improving 1-5 with a 4.5 Rating
While the simplicity of the 1-5 system is a strength, introducing a 4.5 rating can add nuance. This score is reserved for games that excel in most areas but fall just short of perfection.
Examples of 4.5 Games:
- A beautifully designed game with minor bugs or balance issues.
- A game with brilliant mechanics but a lackluster story.
By focusing half-points on the upper end of the scale, the system maintains simplicity while offering a meaningful way to acknowledge games that almost reach excellence.
Focusing on What Matters: A Non-Linear Approach
Another issue with the 1-10 system is its overemphasis on bad games. Players care more about the differences between average, good, and excellent experiences than distinguishing between very bad (2/10) and bad (3/10).
Simpler systems like 1-5 address this imbalance. By focusing on meaningful distinctions—how good a game is, rather than how bad—these systems align more closely with what players value.
Refining the System: Adding a Sixth Tier
For even greater precision without the need for decimals, a 1-6 rating system can be used. This adjustment further clarifies the quality of games at the top end:
- 1: Terrible – Virtually unplayable.
- 2: Poor – Barely functional or highly flawed.
- 3: Average – Meets basic expectations but doesn’t stand out.
- 4: Good – A strong, enjoyable game.
- 5: Great – A high-quality experience with few weaknesses.
- 6: Excellent – A near-perfect game that sets a new standard.
This scale creates space at the top for recognizing exceptional games while retaining clarity and simplicity.
Recognizing Bias in Reviews
No matter how precise a rating system is, it can’t eliminate the inherent subjectivity of game reviews. A reviewer’s preferences, experiences, and even external factors can all influence how they rate a game. Understanding these biases is key to interpreting reviews effectively.
Common Biases in Game Reviews
- Attachment to or Dislike of a Franchise
Reviewers who are longtime fans of a series might overrate a new entry, while those who dislike the franchise might underrate it.
Example: A fan of The Legend of Zelda might give a new release extra points for nostalgia, while a critic might focus on repetitive gameplay. - Genre Preferences
Some reviewers may rate games lower (or higher) based on personal tastes in genres.
Example: A reviewer who loves first-person shooters may undervalue the storytelling depth of a slow-paced RPG like Disco Elysium. - Internet Dramas
External controversies—such as developer scandals or fan backlash—can influence a reviewer’s perception of a game.
Example: A title like Cyberpunk 2077 faced review challenges due to pre-release hype and post-release technical issues. - Not Being the Target Audience
Sometimes, a reviewer isn’t part of the demographic the game is designed for.
Example: A critic unfamiliar with visual novels might underrate Doki Doki Literature Club, not appreciating its genre-specific brilliance.
The Customer is Always Right: Trusting Your Taste in Games
At the end of the day, reviews are tools to help you make decisions—but your taste matters most. A reviewer’s dislikes or priorities might not match your own, and that’s perfectly fine.
When to Dismiss a Review
It’s okay to ignore reviews that criticize aspects of a game you don’t care about—or praise elements you find unappealing.
Examples:
- A review penalizes a game for basic graphics, but you value gameplay over visuals.
- A review praises complex mechanics, but you prefer casual, story-driven experiences.
Conclusion: Smarter Game Reviews for Players
The world of game reviews is vast and nuanced. By moving away from outdated rating systems like the 1-10 scale and adopting more intuitive systems like 1-5 or 1-6, reviewers can better communicate the quality of games in a way that resonates with players.
At the same time, readers need to navigate reviews thoughtfully. Recognizing biases, focusing on what matters most to you, and trusting your personal taste are key to making informed decisions.
Ultimately, a review is only one perspective. The best games for you are those that spark your interest, meet your expectations, and make your time in the gaming world truly enjoyable.