Here at Analog Stick Gaming, we review games that are either purchased or through review codes provided by publishers or PR outlets. For all games, we will disclose on the review if we have been given a code or if we have paid out of pocket for the title, which can be fairly often.
Any and all codes given to Analog Stick Gaming to review are done so for that very reason and not that of any paid sponsorships or other monetary means. We earn no income from Analog Stick Gaming and while we are open to some form of paid advertising that compliments what we discuss on this website, it would not, and will not ever compromise any opinion on this site.
If you are interested in any sort of paid advertising, please reach out to me here.
At Analog Stick Gaming, all reviews are scored from 0 to 10 via a typical 20-point scale.
As for what each score means by definition, here is some of that explained.
0 - 4
Anything scored 0 to 4 are games that are largely broken, bad, or incredibly forgettable. We’ve only scored a few games within this range and they are absolutely poor experiences that should be avoided at all costs.
4 - 5
These are games that are below-average experiences but may include a few systems, mechanics, or design elements to still make them playable and possibly fun in certain circumstances. Overall, these are titles that are certainly not worth their new price tag and might be worth it should you find them on sale down the road.
5 - 6
These are games that are average at best and while can contain elements of fun, they suffer from various systems, mechanics, and other elements that hold them back from being great. These are games we consider good in some ways but lack that certain something to really be consistently enjoyable.
6 - 7
When a game is very good and is bordering on being great, this is where they live. These are games that have all the makings of being a very enjoyable experience but lack just enough to hold them back. This is what we would consider being a slightly better-than-average game.
7 - 8
These are games that are either very good or often great. They may lack a thing or two, but are extremely fun experiences that should be played. These are titles that are certainly worth your time, but possibly not their asking price at launch. They excel in their mission, and their purpose, and are often great experiences.
8 - 9
These are games that are great to downright amazing. They more than excel in their purpose and are extremely strong recommendations. They are must-play titles that are enjoyable, entertaining, and are strong contenders for end-of-year lists.
9 - 10
The best of the best. These are games that define a genre or absolutely nail what they are aiming to achieve. These are games that you can’t stop playing and those that become an obsession. These are games you recommend to everyone, games that you hold in extremely high regard.
Some games that we have scored a perfect score are those we consider some of the all-time best games out there. They don’t need to be without flaws, but it is whether those flaws are even remotely an issue. Games that we have given a 10 to are Hellbade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Ruiner, Bayonetta 2, Metroid Dread, Trails of Cold Steel III, and IV. Personally speaking, I consider these games to be some of my own personal all-time favorites, games that I will always look incredibly fondly towards, and are games that I hold in the highest regard.
Review Policy
At Analog Stick Gaming, we personally review games without input or favor from any outside sources. Any opinions or final say on any score or thoughts about a game are those of the author. We do not in any way accept any payment, favor, or coercion toward any score we have given. If we have scored a game low, it will remain at that score regardless of any outside factors. We will not have any third party affect our scores or opinion about a game whatsoever.
If you have any questions about my review policy, please feel free to pop me an email or find me on Twitter!
- Jeff Young