Here at Analog Stick Gaming, we review a wide assortment of titles across multiple platforms, either purchased or through codes provided by PR outlets, Publishers, or the studios themselves. For all games, we disclose if we have been given a code, purchased the game, or played through services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. Our desire to purchase games does not indicate any sort of favoritism. Our purchase of Suicide Squad, for example, should be an indication of that.

Any codes given to Analog Stick Gaming to review are done so for that very reason and not that of any paid sponsorships or other monetary means. We earn no income from Analog Stick Gaming and while we are open to some form of paid advertising that complements what we discuss on this website, such as our current promotion with NordVPN. These arrangements will not ever compromise any opinion on this site. We have no desire to promote casinos, gambling, or anything of the sort. Ever.

If you are interested in any sort of paid advertising, please reach out to us here. However, please be clear in your offer, as well as providing links and credentials to where we can verify your legitimacy.

At Analog Stick Gaming, all reviews are scored on a 20-point scale, ranging from 1 to 10. These range from games that are Pure Torture, Terrible, Average, Excellent, to what is essentially a Masterpiece. While a Masterpiece is scored a 10, it doesn’t have to be without flaws.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each score.

1 - Pure Torture: This is a game that is simply a travesty across all levels. It should not have been released.
1.5 - Unplayable: As the title suggests, this is a game that is simply unfinished, runs poorly, and is downright broken.
2 - Horrible: Playable, but you wished you wouldn’t have installed it.
2.5 - Terrible: While its components are functional, the entire experience is simply as the name suggests, Terrible.

3 - Awful: Slightly better than Terrible, but you cannot seeing anyone enjoying this.
3.5 - Bad: While you can see fleeting moments of fun, everything from the visuals to the controls are just bad.
4 - Poor: This is a game that while isn’t terrible, due to being able to see its potential, it just doesn’t come together in the end.
4.5 - Below Average: As generic as you can get. Sure, the game is functional, but it just isn’t that fun to play.

5 - Average: This is a basic game. It doesn’t do anything remotely awful, but it doesn’t shine in any respect.
5.5 - Fine: It may shine in a few areas, but the game is simply unremarkable. It’s.. fine.
6 - Just Ok: This is the type of game you cautiously recommend to your friends without being too high on it.
6.5 - Decent: The same has some moments of fun and can be a good time, but doesn’t quite knock your socks off.

7 - Good: A solid recommend with it being a game you remember too much when thinking about your favorite games of the year.
7.5 - Very Good: A game you feel really good about, enjoy the combat and controls, and can have a very good time with.
8 - Great: A stand out, this is a game you talk about to your friends. Visuals, controls, combat, and music is extremely solid.
8.5 - Excellent: A game you place in your top ten of the year. Everything is extremely solid and it’s an excellent experience.

9 - Amazing: This game is just short of perfection. From visuals, story, music, and gameplay. this game is simply amazing.
9.5 - Exceptional: As close to a masterpiece as you can get. This is a game of the year contender.
10 - Masterpiece: An example of the genre that all others should be compared to. This is a masterpiece in all aspects.

Review Policy

At Analog Stick Gaming, we personally review games without input or favor from any outside sources. Any opinions or final say on any score or thoughts about a game are those of the author. We do not in any way accept any payment, favor, or coercion toward any score we have given. If we have scored a game low, it will remain at that score regardless of any outside factors. We will not have any third parties affect our scores or opinion about a game whatsoever; this stands firm even with being offered future review codes.

If you have any questions about our review policy, please feel free to pop us an email or find us on Blue Sky.

- Jeff Young