How we decide on a score

People ask about our ratings a lot, so here's how it works. A score isn't a formula for us — it's a summary of how much time the game earned from us and how happy we were spending it.

We play everything for a real stretch before scoring. For a casual game that might be a few sessions; for an RPG it's many hours. If we couldn't finish something for a good reason, we say so plainly in the review.

The number is subjective and we're fine with that. Two of us might disagree by half a point, and that disagreement usually ends up in the write-up because it's useful context for you.

A high score doesn't mean flawless, and a lower one doesn't mean avoid. Read the actual words — that's where the real verdict lives. The number is just a signpost.

We don't grade on a curve or bump scores for popularity. If a huge game underwhelmed us, it gets the score it earned, same as anything else.