Rating systems...opinions wanted

[D-Lite]

For me, I don't mind so much the scale itself in any form, although I do think an A, B, C, D, F works nicely as everyone knows what that means.  But.

I think breaking up the score by category is infinitely more useful.  Meaning a rating for Graphics, Gameplay, Sound, Replay, and Overall. Sure, it's more work, but it says a lot more. 

Take a game like R-Type.  It's very nice graphically and the sound is well suited to the game.  Gameplay is solid if not very hard and that can be reflected in the Gameplay score.  And a hard game may not have too much replay value for some people.  Now I would appreciate that type of scoring breakdown.  It helps people draw conclusions based more on what's important to them.  Graphics whores are going to favor that category and those looking for the longterm satisfaction will more heavily rely on the replay mechanic.

[Black Tiger]

Personally I prefer to avoid score numbers and such all together. A review is best "scored" from the text itself and adding a score number or something just seems to cause difficulty and contradictions with other game scores.

Thats why I put up a disclaimer/review guide explaining how to 'use' a review. Basically how the text is the real deal and the scores aren't to be used to pit games versus each other.

why must you hide it from me 

One review section is on the verge of being revealed.

[Keranu]

Personally I prefer to avoid score numbers and such all together. A review is best "scored" from the text itself and adding a score number or something just seems to cause difficulty and contradictions with other game scores.

Thats why I put up a disclaimer/review guide explaining how to 'use' a review. Basically how the text is the real deal and the scores aren't to be used to pit games versus each other.

Hopefully it's a bold and noticeable disclaimer or else people are going to be like "OMG!" if you gave a game a 5/10 when really that just means it's completely average.

[Spector]

I would say definitely keep a rating system as it's a great shorthand. My favourite way of marking is that used by Rolling Stone magazine for their album reviews which they've had for 40 years. Mark it out of 5 stars including half marks, giving you ten grades in total.

People say "if it's one to five using half divisions, why not just mark it out of ten?" The reason why is that three stars sounds more positive than six out of ten. Marks out of ten seems to always make 7 the average score, which I don't like. I always think of games using the star system. Vigilante is a ** 1/2. Pacland is a ****. Space Harrier is a ****. And Paul, Xevious is a ***1/2 

So put my vote in for that method, cause it's my favourite.

[Black Tiger]

Personally I prefer to avoid score numbers and such all together. A review is best "scored" from the text itself and adding a score number or something just seems to cause difficulty and contradictions with other game scores.

Thats why I put up a disclaimer/review guide explaining how to 'use' a review. Basically how the text is the real deal and the scores aren't to be used to pit games versus each other.

Hopefully it's a bold and noticeable disclaimer or else people are going to be like "OMG!" if you gave a game a 5/10 when really that just means it's completely average.

Seperate from the disclaimer(s), I also have a breakdown of what the scores generally mean. To me, even a game that earns a 4 overall isn't garbage.

[runinruder]

That Bonk system rules. 

[D-Lite]

Personally I prefer to avoid score numbers and such all together. A review is best "scored" from the text itself and adding a score number or something just seems to cause difficulty and contradictions with other game scores.

Thats why I put up a disclaimer/review guide explaining how to 'use' a review. Basically how the text is the real deal and the scores aren't to be used to pit games versus each other.

Hopefully it's a bold and noticeable disclaimer or else people are going to be like "OMG!" if you gave a game a 5/10 when really that just means it's completely average.

Seperate from the disclaimer(s), I also have a breakdown of what the scores generally mean. To me, even a game that earns a 4 overall isn't garbage.

I love you.

[Keranu]

Seperate from the disclaimer(s), I also have a breakdown of what the scores generally mean. To me, even a game that earns a 4 overall isn't garbage.

Ahh that's very good, that's how I think of a out-of-10 score bar too. I love the Bonks!

[esteban]

PRETTY FRIGGIN' SWEET scoring guide!

[spenoza]

If Paul doesn't use your Bonk ratings system, we'll just have to beat him up (virtually, of course, so as to leave no bruises).

[Necromancer]

If Paul doesn't use your Bonk ratings system, we'll just have to beat him up (virtually, of course, so as to leave no bruises).

The Bonks are cool, yet I still slightly prefer the meat scores.  Anyway, never wimp out on a beating.  A bag full of ripe oranges won't leave any marks, but will leave a wonderfully refreshing citrus scent. 

[sunteam_paul]

If Paul doesn't use your Bonk ratings system, we'll just have to beat him up (virtually, of course, so as to leave no bruises).

I think Black Tiger would have something to say if I ripped off the scoring system for his site wholesale.

From a visual standpoint, the new design is a bit cleaner and smoother so I'm not sure using sprites would fit in any more.

The extra score for exceptional games is one I've already considered, but as a special medal or something in addition to a thumbs up (kind of making 4 scores in total). I'm still not sure if I'll change things but this discussion is very interesting.