(Superb)

While no game or product can truly be considered perfect, those awarded this top honor are as close as you can get to such hallowed ground. These products should not only be one of the best the platform or category has to offer during the year of the games release, but should also be considered revolutionary or take something that already exists to a new level. These products are the basis for which all others like them are judged. Needless to say, this rating should be awarded rarely and only after careful consideration. If a title isn't groundbreaking, it should not receive a five -- no matter how enjoyable it is.

 (Excellent)

This rating should be looked at as the highest award a game or product of its class can receive unless it does something truly groundbreaking or innovative to further distinguish it from all other titles. Products that receive this rating are the best in their respective genres, and they succeed on nearly every level: playability, graphics, sound and FUN. All products that receive this rating should be a permanent part of a users library. A 4 rating is also used sparingly and carefully.

 (Great)

Four-star games and products are very much "must-have" titles that enthusiasts will both want to play and add to their collections. The titles in question do not have the universal appeal of a higher rated product and are allowed a few minor technical issues. That being said, any glitches or deficiencies can be mostly overlooked based on the sheer quality of the product and/or gameplay. These products are an excellent purchase and a gamer wouldn't be disappointed paying full price to acquire them.

 (Very Good)

Games and products that fall under this rating are considered very good, and are usually set within established genres. While they are better than the industry standard offered by publishers at the time of the product's release, they usually do not offer anything particularly innovative or new. There may also be a small number of issues that hurt the games overall appeal among the general gaming population. Fans of specific genres generally appreciate these products more than your average buyer.

 (Good)

These games and products show enough potential to be ranked above average, but they have a larger number of substantial drawbacks that keep the rating lower. While these products may be fun and enjoyable, they lack the depth to be considered greater than that, and suffer from a few nagging problems that hold them back. Still, these games are worthy purchases if you can overlook some of the flaws.

 (Average)

Games awarded this rating are strictly average titles that may be fun for some, but for most they lack distinguishing features that set them apart from the rest. In other words, they're solid yet unspectacular. These products lack the depth and features necessary to allow them to truly stand out in the crowd. With a few tweaks and changes, these games could easily be rated higher. The majority of games published fall into this category.

 (Weak)

This rating is used for a game or product that does not meet the standards of the time period and genre. This game or category has too many flaws or deficiencies to receive a higher rating.

 (Lame)

This rating is used for a game or product that falls far below the established standards of the time period and genre. This game or product also has numerous flaws, deficiencies and is poorly executed and designed. This rating is reserved for a really bad gaming experience, although there may be one or two redeeming factors to save it from being worthless.

 (Abysmal)

This rating is used for a game or product that deserves a failing grade. This product also has too many problems to count and is a chore to play. The designers should hide their faces in shame for bringing such a product to market. The concept, design, execution and presentation are all seriously flawed to the point of maddening frustration. This rating is reserved for the worst of the worst.