How to interpret my game ratings
All of the ratings are on a scale of 1-10. This may change as I continue building the site and playing more games, but for now, this is the simplest system I could come up with. There are 3 categories and one overall rating.
1. Instructions: Simplicity and Coherency
Let me be clear- I am an audible learner! I'm one of those people who didn't have to take many notes in school because we remember everything that people say. So for me to READ instructions takes a some concentration. I look for concise, clear directions as I don't want to waste valuable playing time figuring out how to play! (remember we go to bed early- we're old!) If I can read them through once and grasp the premise, I'll give that a 10! If I have to read and reread sentences, continually go back the the instructions during the game for basics, then the ratings will reflect that. An aside, so you don't think I am an instructions snob- I don't mind referring to the directions during the game for questions that may come up, (like how many houses you need on Park Place before you can buy a hotel), but the premise of the game and how to play should be clear enough so you don't have to play with the booklet open on the table.
2. Visual Appeal
Admittedly this could be considered a 'fluff' category, but color, style, and yes, size, do matter! Beyond how the game looks, how does it hold up with use? Are the cards too thin? Are the plastic pieces too small? Is the print large enough to read by ALL age groups... without drug store glasses? And most of all, does the game look fun to play?
3. Enjoyable
A matter of opinion you say? Absolutely! But so you know where my ratings are coming from, here is what I look for in a game. A. Good pace: Have you ever played a game of Scrabble with someone who couldn't, well, play well? You place your tiles on the board, then go to the kitchen where you can do the dishes, make a snack, and prep tomorrow's lunch before your opponent takes a turn! And while much has to do with wisely choosing a playing partner, there are some games that should have a time limit per play! A good game keeps moving, keeps it's players engaged, and encourages lively conversation between players.
B. Simplicity: As stated earlier, no one likes playing with a rule manual open on the table, so knowing how to play and how to win are important from the get-go.
C. FUN!: Has the game play made me laugh? Has it challenged me to think strategically? Is there room for improvement next time I play? Do I want to play the game again?
4. Overall: Made it to the game closet- or not.
1. Instructions: Simplicity and Coherency
Let me be clear- I am an audible learner! I'm one of those people who didn't have to take many notes in school because we remember everything that people say. So for me to READ instructions takes a some concentration. I look for concise, clear directions as I don't want to waste valuable playing time figuring out how to play! (remember we go to bed early- we're old!) If I can read them through once and grasp the premise, I'll give that a 10! If I have to read and reread sentences, continually go back the the instructions during the game for basics, then the ratings will reflect that. An aside, so you don't think I am an instructions snob- I don't mind referring to the directions during the game for questions that may come up, (like how many houses you need on Park Place before you can buy a hotel), but the premise of the game and how to play should be clear enough so you don't have to play with the booklet open on the table.
2. Visual Appeal
Admittedly this could be considered a 'fluff' category, but color, style, and yes, size, do matter! Beyond how the game looks, how does it hold up with use? Are the cards too thin? Are the plastic pieces too small? Is the print large enough to read by ALL age groups... without drug store glasses? And most of all, does the game look fun to play?
3. Enjoyable
A matter of opinion you say? Absolutely! But so you know where my ratings are coming from, here is what I look for in a game. A. Good pace: Have you ever played a game of Scrabble with someone who couldn't, well, play well? You place your tiles on the board, then go to the kitchen where you can do the dishes, make a snack, and prep tomorrow's lunch before your opponent takes a turn! And while much has to do with wisely choosing a playing partner, there are some games that should have a time limit per play! A good game keeps moving, keeps it's players engaged, and encourages lively conversation between players.
B. Simplicity: As stated earlier, no one likes playing with a rule manual open on the table, so knowing how to play and how to win are important from the get-go.
C. FUN!: Has the game play made me laugh? Has it challenged me to think strategically? Is there room for improvement next time I play? Do I want to play the game again?
4. Overall: Made it to the game closet- or not.
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