Review Scoring Policy

Rewinder uses a 10-point scoring scale in our reviews.

Since Rewinder's launch in May 2025, we've used this scoring system across individual game reviews, accessories, and hardware reviews. Though we considered an unscored approach, our personal experiences have shown that audiences usually prefer review scores. We aim to provide balanced, informative reviews from genre experts to help you make the right choices with games.

Only complete games in full release will receive a review score. Titles in early access will either be covered via hands-on impressions or an unscored a review-in-progress, which is assessed on a case by case basis. For the latter, this means review content will change at a later date, but we will look to ensure the original review-in-progress remains accessible in some capacity for preservation reasons.

Every review comes from an individual author's honest perspective, so there may be times when you disagree with our overall assessments. We only ask that you consider that specific writer's arguments, as you may find games that you enjoy don't get the review score you expected, and vice versa.

We may update reviews at a later date should subsequent updates be released for it, though this will likely serve as a fresh review. Similarly, if any new versions of a game are released and we end up reviewing that too, we'll ensure there's a clear distinction to clear up any potential confusion.

Here's our Rewinder review score breakdown guideline on what each rating means:

1

These games aren't worth your time or money. It's badly designed, has no redeeming qualities, is outright offensive, and is usually plagued by heavy technical issues, bugs, or performance issues. Avoid at all costs.

2

The only major difference between a 1-star review and a 2-star review is that there may be some tiny redeeming qualities or slightly better technical performance. Such titles are still not worth playing in any capacity.

3

These games are mostly unenjoyable, yet may have some small redeeming factors that prevent it from becoming a complete write-off.

4

Games receiving this goal typically have good ideas that ultimately failed to land. The game might be hampered by performance issues or bugs that detract but don't derail the experience, or it simply wasn't that enjoyable. This may deliver some fun for fans of that particular genre, though it's generally worth avoiding.

5

A 5/10 is our benchmark for an average game, one with a near-equal number of positives and negatives. Some redeeming qualities mean you may find this entertaining, yet there are enough issues that hold such positive areas back rather significantly.

6

Good, but not great. Such experiences can come with a few warnings about what you're happy to deal with, though it's ultimately decent enough that you might have a good time.

7

Games with this score delivered more positives than negatives for our reviewer, just falling short of greatness with room for improvement while providing some good entertainment.

8

A great experience that falls slightly short of becoming an all-time classic, yet the positive aspects largely outweigh any negative concerns. This won't be for everyone - no games truly are - but this comes as an easy recommendation.

9

A near-essential buy with minimal drawbacks. Whether that provides a compelling multiplayer experience with friends or a thoroughly gripping single-player campaign, expect some of gaming's finest quality action here.

10

We don't anticipate giving many games our top score, as we intend to reserve this for only the best of the best. There's no such thing as the perfect game and all of our experiences are completely subjective, yet this is as close as it comes for our reviewer. Our top scoring reviews ultimately went beyond the boundaries of the medium for something truly exceptional.

If you need any clarification about our scoring policy, please email our Editor-in-Chief Henry Stockdale (henry@rewinder.co.uk) to learn more.