Rating System

As developers continue to push the level of immersion into games, the visceral effect should reflect the rating. All of the categories are based on the effect the games has to your senses, what draws you in. When you’re playing a game you should forget about the outside world and step into another world. How effective is the game being reviewed at doing that. Games should be compared only to games for the same console or genre (ex: A fighting game for Wii could be compared to a PS3 fighter as a fighting game, but not based on graphics). A score of 0.5-4.5 in a category means that that facet detracts greatly from the overall gameplay. 5.0-5.5 would be average. 6-10 in a category means that that facet adds greatly to the gameplay.

1-10 Graphics – Does this game take advantage of the system’s specific hardware. Does the artistic style used fit the game (cel shading, motion blur, color scheme, etc.). Is the user interface clean and easy to manage or use.

1-10 Sound – Sound is an immersion point that can change ambiance in a story. Does the music/sound add depth to the gameplay. Does it help set the mood or illicit emotion. If there is a lot of audio dialog, does the actor sound like the character ‘should’. Are the sound effects appropriately used. Does the music fit the game.

1-10 Gameplay – The subtle difference between unplayable mess to indefinable art perfection. Is it fun and easy to play. Can you do what’s intended in the game without frustration due to poor design. Do the controls become fluid and natural to use. Is the AI fair and balanced, and adequately challenging. Are the missions or puzzles rewarding.

1-10 Replayability/Multiplayer – Will you still want to pick this game up in a week, month, year? Do you think about this game when you're not playing it. Does the game offer content beyond the main objective, side quests, mini games, unlockables, etc. Is the multiplayer fun. For many games the multiplayer gameplay is part of the replayability. If it’s an online only or if the game focuses heavily on multiplayer, factor in the ease of the multiplayer UI, can you find matches easily, the quality of the online experience, communication, etc.

1-10 Story/Immersion – Does this game’s story draw you in and involve you emotionally to the characters. If not a story driven game, does the game succeed in suspending your disbelief, do you feel ‘in’ the game (ex: Madden making you feel like a football player, the intensity of a puzzle game, etc.). Also applies to physical immersion into the game using input devices such as Wii-Mote, Sixaxis, Eyetoy, etc.

Final Score= Add the 5 categories and multiply that by 2. Based off of a 100 point system.