Game review is a tricky subject to tackle. On the one hand, the entire purpose of the review is to give a consumer a bias free heads up about a video game, discussing its strengths and weaknesses against some transcendent idea of what makes a good video game.

On the other hand, everyone is going to have a different consideration of what it takes to make a good game. A part of the pleasure we get from video games is completly subjective. For example, I enjoy digitized visceral violence while my fiancé can’t stand it. A review of a game like Shadows of Mordor from me will no doubt include the pleasure I enjoy watching my character messily kill enemies. My fiancé would include how the violence and gore was needless, gratuitous and distracting.

Add to this issue the fact that game reviews attach a numerical score, often 1 through 10. The numerical score presents an illusion of objective comparison. Just because two reviewers use the same numerical grading system, it does not follow that there is any collective objective qualify to the two scores.

My solution is two fold. For the reviews that are mass produced, provide a direct rubric for each publication providing a clear mechanical objective view for goodness. We can create a rubric by comparing video games that stand as virtues of the aspect of video games under consideration versus an example of a sin for that same aspect. For example, the controls are considered on a scale from Superman 64 to Super Mario.

My second solution would be to further personalize the review by getting rid of a numeral system entirely and simply let the audience further identify with a reviewer. For example, Yahtzee is a video game reviewer with clear characterization. His audience can identify the standards and bias of the review and decide for themselves if his opinion is something they endorse.

Also, it should stand with out comment that any connection between the reviewer and the developers of the game ought to be disclosed, monetary or otherwise. Otherwise, consumers can’t trust any opinion given.