Critical Carboard's Board Game Rating Scale
When it comes to board games, everyone has their own unique tastes and preferences. But how do you quantify those feelings into a tangible rating? Well, we’ve put together a rating scale that helps us organize our thoughts and give you a better idea of where we stand on each game.
The Scale
10 – Masterpiece: A truly exceptional game that transcends its genre. Innovative, engaging, and flawlessly executed. An absolute must-have for any collection. Likely to remain a favorite for years to come.
9 – Excellent: A standout game with remarkable qualities. Offers a highly enjoyable and memorable experience. Strong mechanics, engaging theme, and high replayability. A top contender in its genre.
8 – Very Good: A well-designed game with many positive aspects. Offers a satisfying and enjoyable experience. May have minor flaws but overall provides strong gameplay and replayability.
7 – Good: A solid game with a decent amount of enjoyment. May not be groundbreaking but offers a pleasant experience. Has some replayability and is worth playing.
6 – Above Average: An okay game with some redeeming qualities. May have noticeable flaws but still offers moments of enjoyment. Replayability might be limited.
5 – Average: A middle-of-the-road game that’s neither good nor bad. Doesn’t offer anything particularly special but isn’t actively unpleasant to play. May be forgettable.
4 – Below Average: A game with noticeable flaws that detract from the experience. May have some redeeming qualities but overall isn’t very enjoyable. Not likely to be played again.
3 – Poor: A game with significant flaws that make it difficult to enjoy. May have fundamental design issues or lack any engaging elements. Not recommended.
2 – Very Poor: A game that is actively unpleasant to play. May have major design flaws, a frustrating theme, or poor components. Should be avoided.
1 – Abysmal: One of the worst games imaginable. Completely broken, offensive, or utterly devoid of any redeeming qualities. A waste of time and money.
0 – Unplayable: The game is literally unplayable due to missing components, incomprehensible rules, or other fundamental issues.
As avid board game enthusiasts, we always look for the next game that will blow us away. But let’s be honest, not every game can be a masterpiece. That’s why we’ve created this rating scale to help me (and you) better understand where each game falls on the spectrum of fun and engagement. From unplayable disasters to unforgettable masterpieces, this scale has it all. So next time you’re looking for a new game to add to your collection, check out our reviews and see how it stacks up against the rest!