Xbox Nerds follows the same reviews & ethics policy as our big brother publication, PSX Extreme.
How our scores work
Our editorial game and hardware reviews use a 0.1 to 10.0 scale, with decimal increments available to reviewers. Scores reflect the reviewer’s judgment of the experience described in the review. They are not percentages, a mathematical average of individual features, or a promise that every reader will agree.
- 0.1–5.0: Generally not recommended. Significant problems outweigh the strengths.
- 5.1–5.9: A mixed recommendation between our lowest and below-average bands. Read the review carefully for the limitations and any specific audience it may suit.
- 6.0–6.9: Below average on our recommendation scale. There are worthwhile elements, but also meaningful compromises.
- 7.0–8.9: Our broad average-to-positive recommendation range. Products here can be worthwhile and enjoyable while still having notable faults. The text explains the distinction between scores within this range.
- 9.0–10.0: Exceptional recommendations, representing the strongest experiences we review. A 10 is not a claim of perfection or universal appeal.
These descriptions are guidance, not a statistical distribution of all games. Comparisons are most useful alongside the review’s platform, publication date and explanation. Historical reviews reflect their original context and are not automatically rescored to match newer releases.
What goes into a game review
A review should be based on meaningful first-hand experience of the game being assessed. The amount of play needed depends on the game: a short narrative adventure, a competitive multiplayer game and a long role-playing game require different approaches. We do not impose a universal hour count or claim that every reviewer completes every optional activity.
Relevant areas include gameplay and controls, level or world design, progression, storytelling, presentation, accessibility, technical performance and value. Not every category matters equally to every game. Reviewers should explain the issues that materially affect their verdict rather than force every game through the same checklist.
- Platform and conditions: Identify the version and platform assessed. Disclose relevant limitations such as restricted server access, pre-release conditions or unavailable modes.
- Performance: Describe observed stability, responsiveness, loading and technical issues. Distinguish measured results from impressions; do not present unmeasured frame rates or resolution as test findings.
- Completion and scope: Explain significant untested content or limitations where they could affect the recommendation. A preview or early impression should be labeled accordingly, not presented as a finished review.
- Spoilers: Avoid unnecessary story revelations and clearly warn readers when discussion requires significant spoilers.
Updates, online games and review timing
A review describes the experience available during the review period. Online populations, patches, monetization and available content can change. An embargo determines when coverage can appear; it does not determine the verdict.
Substantial follow-up testing should be identified as an update or a separate article. Corrections and meaningful changes to a verdict should be explained rather than silently presented as part of the original review. An older review is not a guarantee of a game’s current server availability or technical condition.
Review copies, access and conflicts of interest
Publishers, developers, manufacturers or their representatives may provide review codes, loan units, samples or advance access. Reviews should disclose when the item or access was supplied and identify relevant arrangements, such as a loan or sponsored travel, that could affect how readers interpret the coverage.
A supplied copy is not an entitlement to a positive review. Reviewers should disclose relevant personal, professional or financial relationships to the editor and, where appropriate, to readers. Material conflicts should be addressed before assigning or publishing coverage.