1 Star - Yeah. This stinks. Essentially nothing of merit, although sometimes there may be an element of worth buried in a pile of trash. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. Terrible. Thankfully, I don't encounter these too often. Some years none at all.
2 Star - There may be some enjoyable aspects and a whisper of "what-could-have-been" in an otherwise unfortunate display. Sometimes I'll find compelling aspects in games of this rank, but they are simply dwarfed by problems and other negatives that hold it back. These can be frustrating, especially when I see aspects that could have made for a worthwhile game. Either way though, these are poor games when taken in their fullness.
3 Star - These games are, well, average and most years make up the bulk of what I play since they're, you know, average. They may have some really engaging elements that are counterbalanced by deficiencies or they may just be mildly enjoyable through and through. Either way, the sensation on balance is a decent game that failed to distinguish itself. Easily forgotten most of the time, and sometimes less memorable than worse games because of their mediocrity. To be fair, I did enjoy these games, even if they didn't light me up.
4 Star - This level and above is what I always hope to play when starting a new game. These are above average to very good games that really get me engaged. I find myself absorbed by what they have to offer and look forward to playing every time I get a chance. They may have some minor issues or just end up missing the special final ingredient to rise to truly excellent heights. But, make no mistake, I was left satisfied and grateful for playing games in this category.
5 Star - The whole reason I spend time gaming in the first place. These games ignite my passion for this hobby and reinforce why I've spent so much time gaming in the course of my life. I get *LOST* in these titles and have to pry myself away from their seductive grips if I want to do something else.
REPLAY


I *love* pinball, virtual and real. And the Pinball Arcade by FarSight Studios is always in my rotation. I can put endless hours into pinball when I find good tables. This year I probably played Space Shuttle more than any other, although I did enjoy a variety of different tables. It's (Space Shuttle) a simple table with great flow and is one of my all-time favorite boards. Hey, and it's credited with saving Williams and the pinball industry in general. What's not to love?!? I don't really need to describe pinball. If you know, you know. This particular set of real-life recreations in the FarSight collection is one of my favorite examples of virtual pinball and it's an all-time classic for me. And I have a particular fondness for virtual pinball based on real tables, which the entirety of this collection represents. I may as well include this in my "replays" by default every year. It's always going to be there. 5/5
(Just a heads up. I'll probably go slow, like I always do + I'm old, ha. Give an old dude a break!

