Our Scoring philosophy
Our scores are here to support what the writer says, not replace it. Think of them like a short summary of the full review. We know that numbers can feel harsh or too simple. That’s why we make sure every review clearly explains why a game got its score. Numbers aren’t everything, they just support the story the review tells. And whether it’s a tiny solo project or a bigger indie release, every game gets the same careful attention.
We do not accept ANY compensation, let alone for positive reviews! Writers are assigned review work by the editorial team and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. No reviews are edited for tone or score by publishers or developers.
We are a bold independent Indie-First publication… and we mean it!
Our 0–10 Rating Scale
We use a simple 0 to 10 scale. Here’s what each number means:
Masterpiece
An all-time great. Everyone should experience this. Sets a new standard! This is a rare score. A 10 means the game does something truly special: it might redefine its genre or offer an unforgettable experience. It has polish, creativity, and heart. Even if it’s not perfect, the impact it has on gaming culture is massive.
Must Play
A fantastic game with great ideas and strong execution but has some minor flaws. These are the games we’ll recommend again and again. A 9 means most things work incredibly well, and what doesn’t is easy to overlook. These are the kinds of games people talk about for years.
Amazing
Well-designed, rewarding, and worth your time. Most will enjoy it! An 8 means the game has great systems, strong design, and/or a lot of care in its development. There may be some noticeable flaws or rough edges, but the experience is still exciting and fun.
Great
A good game with some bumps. But it’s great fun for the right player. A solid game with moments of brilliance. Some players will love it, others may bounce off certain design choices. Still, it’s clearly a well-made effort that delivers value.
Good
Some parts work well, others don’t. This score is for games that have more highs then lows. There’s moments of fun but they can be dragged down by a few issues. It’s still good enough to recommend to a big enough audience.
Mixed
Nothing special. Not broken, not exciting… just bland. A game that leaves little impression. It works, but it doesn’t stand out. It’s not bad enough to complain so much about it, but not good enough to recommend. Might still be worth it for fans of that kind of game.
Flawed
Some promise, but it falls apart in key ways. This score usually goes to games with a clear vision or unique idea that’s buried under bugs, poor design, or bad pacing. It’s frustrating to play and hard to enjoy for long.
Bad
Hard to recommend. Lots of problems, little reward. This is for games that don’t work in most ways. The design, execution, or even basic mechanics feel broken or confusing. It’s unlikely players will stick with it.
Broken
Barely playable. Buggy, messy, or clearly unfinished. This game may not launch properly, crash often, or block progress due to bugs. Even if there’s a good idea buried somewhere, it’s completely lost in the technical or design issues.
Unplayable
Almost nothing works. Frustrating and busted. It’s technically running, but nothing is enjoyable. Basic inputs might fail, menus might break, and the experience is a chore from start to finish.
Harmful
Shouldn’t have been released. Actively harmful or offensive in its current form. This score is for games that cross a line. Whether they exploit players, spread harmful content, or show no effort or respect for players, these games do more damage than good.
How we rate other products
Some brands sometimes reach us to cover tech products, boardgames, merch or indie game music (remember, IndieCritical accepts no deals, partnerships or compensation). These are rated differently because they appeal to a very specific niche of people that might find those useful, or fun. Because of that, and of course the subjectivity of the reviewer covering it, we only specify three different ratings:
Recommended, Mixed or Not Recommended.
