Grade System

GameRevolution regularly receives questions about our grading policy. Much of them are regarding our transition from the long-standing grade system to a 10-point scale, which has advantages we can’t ignore for the sake of tradition. These advantages most notably make our grading more simple to interpret on an international scale, allowing us to better communicate our conclusions.

Note that we take a tough stance on grading. This isn’t a site where every score goes from 7-10.

Games are graded based on when they are brand-new, in context to the state of gaming of its time. A retro game released now is given a score based on current standards. We assume that most aspects of gameplay, sound, graphics, and design will improve over time, and we grade accordingly. A sequel must be better than the original in order to receive the same grade.

What The Grades Mean

Tragic. We beg you not to play this game.

Abysmal. Not worth your time, effort, or money.

Dreadful. Don’t subject yourself to this, even if it looks like it might be okay.

Terrible. Some decent ideas still don’t make this worth playing.

Bad. We can’t recommend it.

Mediocre. Some might enjoy it, but it’s still not a good game.

Average. Walks the line but does little else.

Good. It’s worth your time.

Great. There’s a lot to love here.

Fantastic. Play this game ASAP.

Legendary. One for the ages. The cream of the crop. It doesn’t get any better than this.