Reviews policy
By Kirk McKeand
DBLTAP’s team of experienced writers approach every review with an open mind, playing games to completion before coming to a verdict based on their hands-on experience. Where possible, we assign reviews based on genre preferences and expertise to go into every game with as deep an understanding of what the developers hope to achieve as possible. The aim is to provide insight that could either inform your purchase or make you think about the art form of video games in a different light.
How we score
DBLTAP uses a 10-point scale. While our critics may start writing a review with a score in mind, the final score should be informed by their review once it’s written down. Our policy is that the final score should not surprise the reader once they reach it – it should be a logical conclusion to the text.
A score of 10 is the highest recommendation DBLTAP can give. It doesn’t mean a game is perfect, but it does mean everyone should experience it. These are the games that will inspire other developers and shape the industry.
A 9 means the game is brilliant and a must-play, but it might lack in innovation. Anything that scores a 9 is still in the conversation for best games of the year.
An 8 is an excellent game. These are the kinds of games you enjoy in the moment but won't leave a lasting impression after the credits roll.
A 7 is still a respectable score. These games are good overall, but come with a bunch of caveats – perhaps they’ll be fleshed out in a sequel.
A score of 6 suggests the game is slightly above average but has too many issues to fully recommend. There are flashes of a good game somewhere in here.
5 means the game is bland and doesn’t do anything particularly well, but is otherwise innocuous.
A 4 means something went wrong in design or functionality – sometimes both.
A score of 3 means the game doesn’t achieve what it sets out to do, or is riddled with technical issues.
A 2 is the lowest score a working game can get. If you really hate yourself, you can reach the end, but we wouldn’t recommend it.
Finally, 1 means the game doesn’t work.