It combines some of my favourite things in life – computer games, reading good books and complaining. It is the perfect job really.

But as I was reviewing it struck me that a ten point scale when it comes to games really needs some explanation. What does it mean for a game to get a one versus a ten? Is it just some arbitrary number based on just how much hate I can muster for a game?

Then I came up with this.

1. This isn’t a game, its a trojan. It will actually damage your system. This is an automatic score for games like Pool of Radiance Ruins of Myth Drannor.
2. While this game won’t damage your system, it is so broken that it is essentially unplayable. Think Big Rigs over the Road Racing. It is an automatic 2.
3. This game makes a lobotomy seem attractive. I am not going to name examples, because I don’t want to drag up traumatic memories. Damnit Japan…
4. This game is just bad. Some enjoyment could be derived from it without being an awful human being – but it is one of those games it is more fun to read about than play. Think about Sonic 3D Blast.
5. Mediocre. If you are a fan of the genre it might be worth buying, but it is basically forgettable and not fun enough to make it cool. For examples, did I mention the games are forgettable?
6. Good-ish. The game isn’t great by any means but it has its moments. The original Neverwinter Nights, without the mods, gets this score. It wasn’t a bad game, but it took user created content to make it really worthwhile.
7. Genuinely good. The game is fun to play, and worth getting as a time waster. It isn’t a game changer in any way, and there are better games within the genre, but it is competently executed and just plain fun.
8. This game is a blast if you are a fan of the genre – and if you aren’t it is still a good argument for its genre, though it probably won’t convert you. Think Fable II.
9. You will enjoy this game. It is not an automatic classic, but it is everything it should be. Blizzard releases a lot of these.
10. A classic. Starcaft, Tetris, Tron etc…

Any thoughts?