What our ratings actually mean

People ask why we don't just slap a 10 on everything we like, so here's the thinking. Our scores run from about 3.8 to 4.9, and yes, that's a narrow band on purpose — we only write about games we already think are worth your time.

A 4.0 means solid and worth trying if the genre appeals to you. A 4.5 and up means we'd recommend it to almost anyone. We don't hand out anything near the top unless a game does something we can't stop thinking about.

The number is never the point, though. Read the actual review. A 4.2 game might be a perfect fit for you if the one flaw we mention doesn't bother you at all. Scores are a shortcut, not a verdict.

We revisit ratings after big updates when it feels warranted. A game that fixes a rough launch can climb, and we'll note when that happens.