How We Decide a Rating Here

People ask what separates a 4.0 from a 4.6 on the site, so here is the honest answer. We do not use a strict formula, because games are not spreadsheets, but we do weigh a few consistent things.

First is whether the game does what it sets out to do. A simple arcade game aiming for quick fun is judged against that goal, not against a sprawling RPG. Fit matters more than scope.

Second is respect for the player: fair difficulty, honest design, and no dark patterns pressuring you into things. A game loses points fast if it feels like it is working against you.

Third is the stuff that is hard to quantify, like how often we actually wanted to open it again. A high rating here means the reviewer kept playing after the review was done. That is the real test.