Review Corner Rating Scale


  A release that could be of particular importance or significance; a potential classic with an appeal or quality that transcends personal taste. A five-star game is among the best the hobby has to offer and as such is expected to have a positive impact on it as a whole. These are the "Great" games.


  A top-notch title that exceeds expectations and may be among the best in its class in terms of a particular designer, publisher, or genre. This is a game that may not quite be as impactful, groundbreaking, or definitive as a five-star title, but should be considered as a top shelf design.


 An especially well designed, well made and presented game that is regarded as an overall success, especially for fans of similar titles. Four stars also indicate an exceptional design that possesses superlative qualities which may attract players beyond genre, setting or concept.


 A better-than-average title that may not quite have what it takes to be regarded as exceptional. These are good, quality games that meet expectations and offer a solid experience regardless of some minor concept-level, design-level or production-level issues.


 An overall average- but recommendable- game that may falter critically, but still has appealing qualities or values that our writers find worthy of note. These are particular games that readers with varying expectations, experience levels, or tastes may rate slightly higher or lower than our review panel.


 Indicative of a game that is teetering between average and below average. These games may find a specific audience or offer some qualified merits despite noted issues or grievances as expressed by the reviewer.


 This is a game that can be considered to be playable but relatively below average. There may be specific issues with its mechanics, setting, themes, rules or production. Games with two stars are not recommended for general audiences, but may be of interest to those who approach them with appropriate expectations.


 A generally poorly designed or poorly made game with significant deficiencies in play value and overall quality. Perhaps not quite bad enough to receive the lowest rating, but certainly not good enough to deserve a second star.


 Reserved for titles that have notable problems that fundamentally impact playability or that have serious quality concerns. Games of the lowest rating may be poorly play tested, haphazardly developed, and are considered by our reviewers to be substandard or not recommended for most players.


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