Overall rating: Our previous rating was based on a solid 5-point system. We feel like we can give a more accurate rating (and a better way to directly compare similar games) by switching to a 10.0 system. We will be updating our existing reviews with this system, but bear with us as that will take some time. The rating system works as follows:
10.0: PERFECT: I would be very surprised if any game got this rating.
9.0-9.9: EXCELLENT: Games with extremely solid mechanical systems, with a great theme (or that are so fun they obviate the need for a theme), no broken rules, no major flaws, very fun. Knows what it's trying to do and does is very well
8.0-8.9: VERY GOOD: Solid, enjoyable games that are fun to play. May not be as tight or perfectly balance, but creates a good gaming experience. One or two finnicky rules, but nothing is broken. Or, just a great game that is missing some slight ooomph that prevents it from being excellent.
7.0-7.9: GOOD: It's enjoyable, but maybe not the game you're always going to want to play. Maybe not as replayable as other games, or just missing a strong hook that really makes it a winner.
6.0-6.9: AVERAGE: It's playable, but there are other games out there that do something similar, but better. Or it's a new idea that wasn't implemented extremely well. It may have a broken rule or two, but it's still playable
5.0-5.9: LAME: it's technically not broken, but it just isn't very fun to play. Lackluster showing. Mechanics don't make up for a dull theme.
4.0-4.9: DISTASTEFUL: It may be a "game" per say, but it's just not that fun.
1.0-3.9: BROKEN: Unplayable. Unfun. Offensive to humanity. Stuff like that.
0.0: HATEFUL: you tried to play the game, but it wasn't a game. It was an evil mutation that killed your mother and/or your significant other.
K: Kids! This means that this game is designed or plays best with younger kids. It will not likely be a fun game for teens or adults to play with each other, but it's always good to get 'em started early! Examples: Sorry, Memory, Hey! That's My Fish!
E: Everyone! These games can be enjoyed by pretty much anyone. They are fun for adults, but don't require an excessive amount of rule memorization, intense strategy, or lengthy playtime. It's also highly likely that you may be able to introduce your kids to these games, but that's your judgement call. Examples: Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Dominion
G: Gamers! These games generally appeal to more hardcore gamers. They may be more complex, lengthy, or competitive than non-gamers woulld enjoy. Examples: Agricola, Rex, Twilight Imperium
Game Stats: These are just to help you instantly see some basic games stats. This kind of information is usually printed on the box, but what's printed on the box is not always perfectly accurate. These share, based on our experience, the realistic game length, and how many players the game is actually FUN to play with. Note that the game length is generally what we think is the maximum playtime once your players know how to play. In addition, while many games often have multiple editions from various publishers, the information we post is based on the version that we reviewed.