Below is a basic summary of the guidelines we use to write a review at MMGN.com. As of 2012, we use a 20 point scale. Previously we used a 100 point scale to give games a final score out of 10. We use these guidelines in order to write coherent, consistent, critical and factual reviews that are fun to read. Our reviews are written by 100% unbiased writers who have no emotional or personal attachment to the game, console, developer or publisher, so you can rest assured that what you read and the score we give for a game is honest and truthful.
Remember, our reviews are merely a critical opinion. We provide this opinion because we believe we have a sound and professional knowledge of the gaming industry. Opinion is one of the greatest things we have in this society, and we hope you can appreciate our opinion as we would yours. You may not agree with our review and that's fine. We expect that!
Review Layout
Our reviews are broken up into two sections: What a game got RIGHT and what a game got WRONG. These are followed by a conclusion in "The Final Verdict" and and final score out of ten.
We aim to make our reviews as short and concise as possible, while offering all of the information that matters. We don't like reading five-page reviews that bore you half to death, so we don't write them. Instead, we get straight to the point in an easy to digest format.
THE SCORING SYSTEM
We use a 20-point scoring review system at MMGN.
Games are awarded a score out of 10 increasing in increments of .5 from 0 - 10. The 20-point scale replaces the 100 point system MMGN used before 2012.
10 - Masterpiece
A score of 10 means a near perfect overall experience. If a game receives a score of 10, it can mean one of two things: Either the reviewer is of the opinion that the overall experience and production value of the title is bordering perfection and no other score appropriately ranks the title, or that the game is perfect in every single way, with no noteworthy issues whatsoever. The perception of a 10/10 score can be understandably different between reviewers, based on their own critical consensus.
9.5 - Brilliant
A score of 9.5 is as close to perfection as you can get without quite being amazing enough to warrant a perfect 10. It offers an exceptional and original experience, yet there may be some very minor issues with graphical presentation and/or audio.
9.0 - Exceptional
A score of 9.0 means that the game offers an extremely enjoyable experience. There may be some minor issues with any of gameplay, graphics, value or audio but overall nothing that distracts from the core experience.
8.5 - Awesome
A score of 8.5 offers fantastic gameplay and a memorable experience. There may be some minor faults, and it isn't quite up there with the must buy games of the year, but enjoyment is assured.
8.0 - Excellent
A score of 8.0 represents a game that offers great value for money and has great gameplay but has some noteworthy issues on any of the four fronts.
7.5 - Great
A score of 7.5 represents a title that does plenty right, but may have a low value or issues on the gameplay/visual front. Nevertheless, it's a solid game.
7.0 - Very Good
A score of 7.0 means the overall experience is good but may suffer from some medium-to-major problems on the gameplay, value and/or graphical front.
6.0 - 6.5 - Decent
A score of between 6.0 and 6.5 doesn't mean it's a bad game, but it offers an inconsistent experience with some issues that may effect the experience. Fans of the genre will enjoy it.
5.0 - 5.5 - Average
A score between 5.0 and 5.5 is average and may do more wrong in reference to gameplay than it does right. It's certainly playable, but doesn't do anything to standout from the crowd. While not terrible, these types of game are only for the hardcore fans.
4.0 - 4.5 - Bad
A score between 4.0 and 4.5 represents a game that does little to nothing right and offers a very mediocre gaming experience.
3.0 - 3.5 - Rubbish
A man walked into his office one day and told his boss he had a great idea for a game. Our time could have been spared if his boss had said, "Johnson, you blithering idiot, it's absolute rubbish!" Instead, they made it.
2.0 - 2.5 - Awful
Awful. There's nothing more to be said. Don't play this game.
1.0 - 1.5 - You're Doing It Wrong
This isn't a game...
0.0 - 0.5 - Burn it
My eyes! Ze goggles, zey do nothing! The ash will be more fun than this monstrosity.