Let’s be real here for a sec; these games that I am playing are $2 or less and sometimes, a lot of the times, are not going to meet any of the criteria for scoring based on my rubric. This is more to give myself a loose guideline to think about while playing so I can give each game the same level of scrutiny rather than randomly assigning a number based on how much fun I had. In the end though, fun is really all that matters so if a game looks fun to you, but didn’t receive a high score based on my rubric, don’t let that dissuade you from purchasing it for yourself. It’s only $2.

Narrative: How easy to follow is the story? Do you need to read outside material to know what’s going on? Is it open ended or more of a linear story? Is there even a story?

Characters: Are the main character/s likeable? Any notable NPCs?

Sound Design: Is the sound satisfying? Does the main menu music get you excited to hop into the game? Is there music during the gameplay or does it rely on in game interactions?

World/Level Design: Are the levels easy to navigate or is it more open world? Is there a map?

Art Style: Is it 2d or 3d? How does that affect the gameplay? Is it pretty to look at? Is it nice and clean or a little rough around the edges?

Gameplay: Is this more combat heavy or puzzle solving? Or racing? Is it a strategy game? Or a platformer? Or something else entirely? What are the controls like? Controller or mouse and keyboard? At it’s most basic level, is it fun to play?

Time to Beat: How long did it take me, a less than average skilled gamer, to beat? Did I beat it or is it too hard for me? Or is there a game breaking mechanic that wasn’t fixed because the game costs $2 so what’s the point?

Replay Value: If I did beat it, do I want to play it again? Is it an early access game that could potentially have things added to it that make me want to come back?

Each game will be given a score up to 100. When calculating scores Narrative and Characters will make up 20 points, Sound Design will make up 20 points, World/Level Design and Art Style will make up 20 points, Gameplay will make up 20 points, and Time to Beat and Replay Value will make up 20 points. As I said earlier, not all of these games are going to apply to the questions in my rubric, so expect some low scores, but take each score with a grain of salt.

Reviews will be published every Sunday. Except for when life happens, as it sometimes does. The game I choose will have been released within two weeks of the review date. Mostly to give myself plenty of time to play the game, but also to give other’s a chance to recommend a game they want me to play. If you do see a game you’d like me to try, make sure it is $2 or less, based on the regular retail price, not a sale price.

If you end up playing a game I’ve reviewed, let me know in the comments! Especially if you have a differing opinion than mine.