The Vortex Effect 4-Star Review Scale

Here at Vortex Effect we review a lot things: video games, movies, books, etc. In the past we’ve used a number of different methods of scoring our reviews such as five stars for movies and a 10-point scale for games.

We did away with all of that to switch to a unified four-star review scale to start 2013 with. That means no matter what we review, it’s going to be scored on a four star scale.

You can view exactly what the stars break down to below, and since it’s a unified scale, the description applies to everything we review.

Movies: No movie is perfect, but this is a movie we think is a “must watch.” A must have for your collection.

Games: No game is perfect, but this is a game we think is a “must play.” A must have for your collection.

Books: No book is perfect, but this is a book we think is a “must read.” A must have for your collection.

Apply the above to anything else we may review that receives a four star rating.

Movies: This is a good movie we find easy to recommend, but it may not be for everyone and you may want to rent it before adding it to your collection. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll probably like this.

Games: This is a good game we find easy to recommend, but it may not be for everyone and you may want to demo it before adding it to your collection. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll probably like this.

Books: This is a good book we find easy to recommend, but it may not be for everyone and you may want to skim it before adding it to your collection. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll probably like this.

Apply the above to anything else we may review that receives a three star rating.

Movies: This movie has a few bright spots or good ideas, and there is some enjoyment to be had, but your money would be better spent on something else unless you find it in the bargain bin.

Games: This game has a few bright spots or good ideas, and there is some fun to be had, but your money would be better spent on something else unless you find it in the bargain bin.

Books: This book has a few bright spots or good ideas, and there is some enjoyment to be had, but your money would be better spent on something else unless you find it in the bargain bin.

Apply the above to anything else we may review that receives a two star rating.

Movies: This movie should never have been made; it does nothing right and has no redeeming qualities. Stay away.

Games: This game should never have been made; it does nothing right and has no redeeming qualities. Stay away.

Books: This book should never have been written, let alone published; it does nothing right and has no redeeming qualities. Stay away.

Apply the above to anything else we may review that receives a one star rating.

All Vortex Effect reviews are 100% honest and critical based on the reviewers personal preferences. Reviews are opinions after all, so they are subject to personal bias and discrimination. Each game is reviewed based on the item itself and should not be compared to our other reviews, especially of different genres (or type) and by different reviewers.

Disclosure notice: We do, on occasion, receive free games, movies, and books from publishers for the purposes of review. If the item reviewed was provided to us by the publisher, we will include a note at the end of the review stating so. We are committed to providing 100% honest reviews, and will never score a product higher than we honestly think it deserves just to make a PR person happy.