Opinions are subjective. We don’t think anyone reading this would argue otherwise, but that doesn’t make the process of reviewing a piece of art any easier. In fact, it makes critically evaluating video games, music, board games, movies, and the like all the more difficult, as one person’s treasure is another’s trash.

And we are the first to admit that it makes reading a review a bit difficult too, as you first need to know the author, their preferences, their sensibilities, and their history with the franchise or artist before deciding if their opinion is one that you align with.

That said, the fine folks here at Reloader are all bound by one guiding metric, one universal truth, one yardstick to rule them all: the Reloader review scale. This iron-clad institution ensures that you, our fine readers, know exactly what that all-important number is trying to tell you about the subject of the review.

Now, I would strongly recommend that you make yourself a cup of tea and read through the entirety of every Reloader review you interact with. We have some real creative and crafty writers here at Reloader, and the only way to understand the brevity of their thoughts on a game, album, or tabletop experience is to give the review a good once-over. That said, you won’t always have the time, and a summary with a number attached might be all you can muster the minutes read.

So, dear reader, it’s time to explain the thoughts and feelings behind the score. We use a 1-10 scoring system here at Reloader, with a short phrase attached to each round figure (8 – Smashing). But that doesn’t give you the full context, so let’s explore the Reloader review scale in full:

10 – Masterpiece

Perfection doesn’t truly exist, but those who earn a ten get as close as you can. Those who earn the converted double digits will have you wishing you could experience them for the first time again. You’ll be telling your friends, your mum, and even your dog about these legendary pieces, confident that everyone with a pulse should get around them.

9 – Bloody Ripper

One step away from the top of the mountain, a nine signifies excellence in almost every facet. The difference between this score and the pinnacle of our scale can often be nothing more than a few nitpicks and gripes, but rest assured, a nine should have you putting down whatever you’re doing and jumping on board.

8 – Smashing

An eight not only garners a strong recommendation from us here at Reloader, but it has the stamp of approval from a certain red-headed English adventurer. The flaws may be slightly more pronounced than the scores above it, but an eight is a hefty accolade that definitely deserves your attention.

7 – Solid

The dreaded seven is often seen as a critics’ default score when it comes to mediocrity that doesn’t straight up offend. We here at Reloader push back on that notion, opting to embrace sevens for what they are: solid. If something earns a seven, we think you should get around it; just know that it’s not perfect.

6 – Mixed Feelings

You want to love a six, but the obvious drawbacks keep you from taking them home to introduce them to your parents. While not an out-and-out stinker, sixes often suffer from odd design decisions or messy execution. That said, those landing in this range have a funny way of finding a cult following over time.

5 – Bang Average

We’re not mathematicians, but we know that this score is smack bang in the middle of the road. As far from a masterpiece as it is from an abject disaster, a humble five skirts the line between good and bad to varying degrees of success.

4 – Bummer

We’re a positive bunch, but things become harder to celebrate here. Finding themselves on the wrong side of the review score equator, a four can’t quite overcome its negative qualities, but manages to sneak in enough flavour to save itself from the true doldrums.

3 – Stitch up

It might be trying its best to climb out of the mire, but a three is still firmly in the ‘avoid’ category. It’s crawling towards redeemable qualities, but a three still has far too much working against it to be worth poking a stick at. That said, these bad boys are worth their weight in gold for those looking for a ‘so bad it’s kinda good’ experience.

2 – Dog’s Breakfast

Much like the top end of our scale, the difference between a two and a one is razor thin, but for significantly different reasons. While you might find yourself cracking a half-smile when engaging with a two, this is essentially like putting sprinkles on dog food. It may look more appetising, but it’s still dog food.

1 – Abomination

Here we are, at the bottom of the barrel. With no redeeming qualities to speak of, the rarified air of a one is saved for the broken, awful, or offensive. We’ve taken the bullet for you on these occasions, so unless engaging with a one is a court-ordered punishment, we recommend you keep a very wide berth.