There is list after list after list of games and their rankings. “This game is 5 stars!” “This is a good strategy game.” Always the list supports a specific view of games. My friend, Mr. Lester, has tasked me to create a system where any game can be scored. The scores would, in essence, create a ranking system, but based on what I believe are the important qualities of a good board, card, or, really any game. I also endeavor to keep the system simple as complexity creates its own difficulties and then stops being an effective ranking tool.
Categories to be scored are: Game Playability, Game Design, Box Design, Instructions and Learnability, GGG membership.
A. Game Playability- Is it dull to play, fun once, or enjoyable every time you play?
· Enjoyable every time: 5pts
· Fun for multiple times: 4pts
· Fun the first and second time you play: 3pts
· Could be fun, was just a tad slow: 2pts
· Boring!: 1pt
B. Game Design- The design of the game enhances the playing experience.
· Art! Beautiful design and playability. Highest quality: 5pts
· Great design and layout, it adds to the game playing experience. Excellent quality: 4pts
· Solid design, good art, and good quality: 3pts
· Not a great design, but does not hinder game play. Fair quality: 2pts
· Crap!: 1pt
C. Box Design- Is the box inviting and tells you about the game? Is it well Made and looks good on a shelf? Remember, the box is the first thing you see!
· A beautiful box with excellent graphics. The box’s bottom clearly explains the game. It looks great on a shelf and the name is visible. The quality is of the highest standard: 5pts
· Attractive Box with clear graphic. The box’s bottom is using to give information about the game. The Quality is above industry standards: 4pts
· Good box with good graphics. Easy tell what game it is on a shelf and the quality meets industry standards: 3pts
· Good box but graphic are difficult to read or unclear. Some element of the game is below industry standards and makes the game seem cheap: 2pts
· Garbage!: 1pt
D. Instructions and learnability- Can you play the game the first time or does it take a few times to master? Are the rules clear and understandable? With mastery, can you get better at the game?
· Simple elegant rules that allows any player to master the game the first time played. Mastery of the game allows for high level play: 5pts
· Efficient rules with clear objectives. Game play takes some learning and experienced players have a big advantage: 4pts
· Clear rules, but takes some learning. The game objective can be learned while playing and experienced players know how to win: 3pts
· Rules are intact, but the print is small or hard to read. You understand the game, but see no real reason for it: 2pts
· What???: 1pt
E. Special Section- The Ganja Gaming Guild. Only for party and cannabis games. Bonus Points!
· Rastafarian game. Players get to partake from the bong, pipe, blunt, or whatever the player chooses: 5pts
· Heavy Duty! Consuming cannabis is integral to the play of the game, and is used as a prize. The game is cannabis themed and is intended for group use. Drinks are also offered: 4pts
· Good Party Game. Players get to smoke or drink and it adds to the fun of the game: 3pts
· Barely a game, but who cares because you get to get wasted!: 2pts
· Ditch weed! Crap! Rip off!: 1pt
Score Range: 25 Points (The ultimate game) to 5 Points (You got some nerve for selling this!)
Today’s Scores:
· Scrabble: A5+B4+C3+D4+E3=19
· Jenga: A5+B3+C3+D5+E3=19
· Dab Out Board Game: A4+B5+C4+D5+E5= 23
· This Game Goes to Eleven: A3+B4+C5+D3+E2= 17
· Toker Dice: A2+B2+C2+D4+E3= 13
