Since you guys are starting anew, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to implement a brand-new rating system. As "veteran" reviewers, I'm sure you are all well aware of the flaws of the current rating systems. I understand that in a review, the score doesn't matter that much, but let's face it: A lot of people don't even read the reviews, they just look at the scores. So, why not have a rating system that's crystal-clear and comprehensive for everyone ?
The biggest problem is how everyone has their own version of what a score signifies. By giving a score, the reviewer tries to tell their readers approximately how good the overall game is, but that message is lost when they convert it back into their own meaning. A good example is how some will tell you that 7.0 is good, others will tell you its average. 1UP tried to change their rating system recently with their alphabetical scores, but all they did was use the same old concept, except they replaced the numbers with letters, which in turn, caused even more confusion.
What I'm proposing is a system that, I believe, will solve this mess once and for all. Basically, its concept is: "Why bother converting at all ? Just say what you want to say". Its very simple yet solves everything, think Ninja Gaiden II is great ? Give it the score of "Great". Think GTA IV is awesome ? Give it an "Awesome". It's basically the exact same concept, but it gets the message across. Scores like Awesome, Great, Nice, Average, Lacking, Bad and Terrible are exactly what they mean, and it's MUCH more clear than any numerical or alphabetical score.
I know it's a lot to ask to change from your traditional way of reviewing, but please at least consider it. I honestly believe this new rating system has potential.
-Gamer4Iife
How about a new rating system ?
What's the Deal With Your Rating System?
Giant Bomb reviews games on a five-star scale that does not include half-stars. We feel that this benefits our reviews for a number of reasons. Five-star rating systems are a widely accepted standard outside the field of video games, from Amazon.com to The Source, and we feel that the pervasiveness of the five-star system makes it more intuitive for the reader.
It also helps avoid the hair-splitting that can occur within more granular rating systems. A score is designed to provide the most basic at-a-glance information about a game for those considering making a game purchase--it is not there to justify/attack anyone's entrenched position on the relative value of one video-game franchise, developer, publisher, or hardware manufacturer versus another. We include the full text of the review for those looking for more detail.
We do not use any algorithms to reach our final scores, relying instead on the experience of the reviewer. While fundamental issues such as graphical performance and gameplay originality will almost always be factors in determining a final score, it ultimately comes down to how worthwhile the reviewer found the whole experience to be. If that's not enough, here are some simple illustrations we think you'll find helpful:
While we don't believe any game is perfect, we recommend this game without reservation.
Still very good and easy to recommend, though it doesn't quite live up to its full potential.
The halfway point. An inherent appreciation of this game's specific gameplay style, characters, subject matter, and so on may play as big a role in your enjoyment as the actual quality of the game.
This game's problems outweigh its good qualities.
This game will make you wish you had died in a fire moments before turning it on.
Source: http://www.giantbomb.com/help/
"This is really easy rating system that works great.What's the Deal With Your Rating System?
Giant Bomb reviews games on a five-star scale that does not include half-stars. We feel that this benefits our reviews for a number of reasons. Five-star rating systems are a widely accepted standard outside the field of video games, from Amazon.com to The Source, and we feel that the pervasiveness of the five-star system makes it more intuitive for the reader.
It also helps avoid the hair-splitting that can occur within more granular rating systems. A score is designed to provide the most basic at-a-glance information about a game for those considering making a game purchase--it is not there to justify/attack anyone's entrenched position on the relative value of one video-game franchise, developer, publisher, or hardware manufacturer versus another. We include the full text of the review for those looking for more detail.
We do not use any algorithms to reach our final scores, relying instead on the experience of the reviewer. While fundamental issues such as graphical performance and gameplay originality will almost always be factors in determining a final score, it ultimately comes down to how worthwhile the reviewer found the whole experience to be. If that's not enough, here are some simple illustrations we think you'll find helpful:
While we don't believe any game is perfect, we recommend this game without reservation.
Still very good and easy to recommend, though it doesn't quite live up to its full potential.
The halfway point. An inherent appreciation of this game's specific gameplay style, characters, subject matter, and so on may play as big a role in your enjoyment as the actual quality of the game.
This game's problems outweigh its good qualities.
This game will make you wish you had died in a fire moments before turning it on.
Source: http://www.giantbomb.com/help/
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