The Donut Guy Blog

Being in the space of reviewing and rating means that you have to have a system. There’s no basis of comparison without actually saying that you’re comparing things on a scale that makes sense. In the video format that is not easy. There is no simple system to show what you are thinking about games comparatively based on the software or the display models within the videos. I have struggled with this over the last couple years because of two personal views that conflict. First, my videos are positive focused, though offer constructive criticism based on gameplay and experience. Second, being honest and rating genuinely is important to me which can portray a negative. Where does that leave us?

I’ve gotten to the point I’ve needed to decide exactly what goes into my ratings to provide an actual analysis alongside what I’m reviewing. There is a person for every game, and my videos keep that positive focus even when I share the rating. In this industry there are already rating systems established with the scale of 10, including BoardGameGeek and other sites. Going forward I’m going to start using that scale, but I’m going to quantify the complete understanding of how we got there. My brain and my need need this, and after deliberation I’ve come to a system that matches me. With that in mind, here is how games will rank with me when you hear me use something out of 10.

1 Point Game Art- I know this is subjective to my own tastes, but I love many games based on the art.

1 Point Components – Are a game’s components made well with quality and understandable?

1 Point Container – Is a game organized well in its container and is the container something interesting? This includes putting it back after its first time being played.

1 Point Instructions – Are the instructions laid out well for you to understand the game with plenty of examples or visuals? If you don’t need them, then this is not a factor, but if you find yourself needing them during the game, those instructions are truly important.

1 Point Gameplay: Pickup Ability – There’s a lot to be said about a game you can pick up and play quickly. It means you and your group have a fun time faster. This does not mean mastering the game, but means getting the general sense quickly.

1 Point Gameplay: Satisfaction – Does taking a move or making a step in the gameplay mechanics, feel satisfying? Making gameplay feel good translates across the experience. When playing with others I rely heavily on their experience in this as well since I know not every mechanic is made for me.

1 Point Gameplay: Replay Value – Does the game make you want to come back and play it again? Can you come back and play it again without it feeling repetitive or stale?

1 Point Solo or Group Feel – For solo games do you feel like you were able to experience the game well by yourself? For groups, did it make a good group dynamic at the table? Did people enjoy the game?

1 Point Story and Lore – I’m a sucker for a game with a good story. Stories don’t have to be War and Peace, but something that makes me feel like there is a setting, a character, and a world fills my cup.

1 Point Wow and Wonder – My last point goes to things that make me marvel at a game and what it’s doing. This can be an interesting topic, new gameplay mechanic, or tie in of some type. That “it” factor.

This is how I’m going to lay out the numbers around my game reviews, and I feel content. Providing this explanation gives you a window to my process, and I hope you see it as straightforward and consistent. Consistency to me is key. I may use a half a point from time to time depending on what the game is but that will indicate maybe they tried but failed in that area, but at least I have a basis of where I’m coming from. 

In the wrestling world, there is an example of where consistency stopped in a rating system. Dave Meltzer is known as one of the foremost wrestling reviewers and reporters. For many years, he gave matches up to five stars based on their quality. In the last 10 years, though he has broken his own system, giving certain things six and seven stars. This made the consistency of that system coming to question across so many different platforms and to me is a huge mistake. I came here to make a system and not break a system, and that’s what we are doing. Whether or not my rating matters to anyone else, I feel good about making it something for me.