On eGamer, you will notice that our system for reviewing games is unconventional. We do not use a number rating system, because we feel that it is not a good way of rating games and measuring their quality. Simply put, it is far too inconsistent to be a reliable system. For us, there are only two questions we need to answer in a review. How is the game? and Should you buy it? We try our best to answer these questions as in-depth and as accurately as possible.

In-depth, we have two systems. The first is a Quick Rating box: this will appear at the very top of every review and is basically a summary of the entire analysis. If you do not wish to read the entire review, this will give you a quick synopsis of the game, the review and what to expect.

Then, we have a unique and colour-coded category system. This is the second system employed for accurate reviews. It is also the long version which contains all the details. Below is an explanation of the verdict and what each specific colour represents:

Red – A game in the red category has many negative aspects and should be avoided at all costs. Even if you are dying to play it, know that you will be extremely disappointed and will feel as if you have wasted your money. Games will either be rated Horrible, or Bad in the red category.

Orange – Orange means that a game has a fair amount of negative aspects. In general, you should avoid these games, as they are lacking in multiple departments and not worth full retail price. You should only consider playing these games if you are a serious fan or incredibly interested in the title, in which case we would recommend this game as a second hand purchase or a rental. Avoidance is advised. In the orange category, games will either be rated Poor, or Lacking.

Yellow – Yellow games generally do not have a lot of noteworthy aspects about them, be it positive or negative. Due to their mediocrity and the prices of retail games in South Africa, it is assumed that these games will not be worth their full price at purchase. If you are a fan or someone interested in the game, you are likely to enjoy these games. You would, however, be better off buying a game in the green category. In the yellow category, games will either be rated Passable, or Mediocre.

Green – These games consist of a fair amount of positive aspects and, as such, it is very likely that you are going to enjoy them immensely. If you want a game, and it receives this rating, chances are that you will not go wrong buying it. It is unlikely that you will not enjoy a game rated in this category. In the green category, games will either be rated Decent or Good.

Purple – Purple games have a majority of positive aspects, and are among the best of the lot. You really cannot go wrong buying a game in the purple category. Whether you are buying it straight off the shelf or second hand, they are well worth your time and money. Games like these are generally about as good as they get and this rating is awarded to games of true excellence. In the purple category, games will either be rated Great, or Outstanding.

Perfect – A perfect score is a very rare award. It is more of a benchmark than an actual rating. A game with this rating has close to nothing wrong with it and shines in everything it does. Most games that get this rating can be considered art, genre defining and/or truly incredible by the very definition of the word. This category is white, and games that receive this award will be considered about as close to Perfect as games will get.