First off, thanks very much for this, because it helps me personally to see what parts of the community view and look for when they interpret how games should be rated. Obviously, we don't seem to have quite the same opinion of the rating, but it's important from my viewpoint nonetheless. It wouldn't do much good to delve into my own psyche on how ratings are determined, but what I will say is that in my reviews, I don't assign a rating thinking about how much press and/or success a game may get based on it -- I try to do it simply based on a reflection of the review itself. I've said it a few times elsewhere, but it's my least favorite part of writing a review because I hate having to simplify a narrative discourse down to a 5-star rating. You're right -- it's a shame that a game with a four-star rating, which I think most folks would consider to be a great game, would receive a 'wait-and-see' approach from the masses. I don't agree with that, but there's not much I can do in that regard. Also, since you brought up a previous review of mine, I'm sure you know that I've never assigned a 5 star rating, and I've assigned one 4.5 star rating to a review in the dozens of games I've checked out here -- so the upper echelon of that scale has a lot of significance to me. That's not to say that there aren't games out there that deserve it, this particular example just wasn't the case in my eyes. In any case, obviously everyone is free to have their own opinion, and I hope I don't come off as combative -- I just like to express my view on the matter as others have done for their opinion. Also, I hope my use of the term 'ruckus' didn't cause any distaste -- this actually is a great conversation that I enjoy having.
It's a thankless task, giving a rating -- as Hodapp put it, it's damned if you do, damned if you don't. Personally I am really glad that CH got any coverage at all (many good games don't) and that it was assigned to someone who approached the task thoughtfully. I look forward to reading more of your reviews.
I agree with everything squarezero said. Thanks for that. But not that much for TA as a whole, it seems. There are about 200 4.5 or 5 star reviews, and 370 4 star reviews. So, a 4.5 or 5 star game is special for TA, but it's not like it's as special as Edge giving a perfect 10. It would be a shame if some reviewers gave it way more significance than others, since, as Squarezero points out, these ratings have quite a bit of weight because they factor in who gets mentioned in the "best games of the month" lists. For me, this is still among my favorite games ever. There just isn't anything like it at all on iOS at the moment.
Thanks lena, that reminded me of something. I have a personal belief in transparency, so I have no problem popping into the forums and trying to address any concerns/differences in opinion about my reviews. If anything, I lurk too much and should be posting more regardless. But it's important for folks to note that whatever I say as opinion is mine solely as a freelance writer. We all have our own views and perspectives which is why I think TA has one pf the better wroting staffs around. I don't mean to put words in the mouth of or imply anything about my fellow writers or TA as a whole. That's what Hodapp is for
I'm beginning to feel like TA should be called YelpArcade. (gulp) It's ironic because I'm more willing to try out a new place on Yelp if it has at least a 4-star rating vs. 3.5 or less. Note that I'm not a fan of star ratings either. The only advice I can give is to read the review and then make your buying decision based on the pros and cons. The stars serve as a guide and not a "set in stone" guarantee.
TA editors would do well to set a definite star-rating standard, I would think. If one writer acknowledges to rarely giving out perfect ratings, but the general website rating system is more permissive in that regard, then there is a need for protocol to calibrate its system.
"Our final scores are not the product of any traditionally objective measures such as graphics or sound, but simply reflect the games we would most recommend to others."
I doubt that that's going to happen. Unless Hodapp wants to keep this going, I'm going to close off this particular discussion -- I think everyone has had their say. If there's interest, perhaps we should start a thread in the Site Feedback section.
Eh I'd rather keep review score whining consolidated to this thread if at all possible. Site Feedback is for like, site bugs and other valid problems.
I was referring comments about the rating system in general. I think we're done with the "whining," as you call it.
Does whatever a game is rated by one writer change how much you enjoy the game? If so, I doubt video games are for you. Play the games YOU love, forget the rest!
How do you beat the golem? I wanted to skip the level but imstupidly went on a spending spree the level before and practically spent every penny on silly things didn't need like battle potions.. I've tried luring the golem to the traps or the spiked trees, like that level on Mario galaxy (since the game seems inspired by that) to no avail.. And in tried jumping on it's head, also no luck. Just before I died last time I play inswiped at the screen and i think his health bar went down a little, I didnt even know you could swipe the screen to attack..is that what i have to do? Keep swiping?
