Graphics
How the game looks as well as technical issues like animation quality, texture design, and framerate.

Sound
This category rates the quality of the sound effects and voice acting as well as the music in the game.

Gameplay
In a nutshell, how fun and satisfying the game is to play. Usually considered the most important part of any title, this category encompasses the controls, design, and overall feel of the game.

Lasting Appeal
This rates how much time you're likely to spend with the game before you get tired of it. This rating also reflects the depth of the game and options such as multiplay and mini-games that keep you going after you finish the single-player experience.

9.0 to 9.9
A fantastic achievement with only minor flaws or imperfections. If a game scores a 9.0 or better you know it's a great title with just enough imperfections to let you know they're for real. Games of this caliber are must-haves, even if you're not particularly fond of the genre.

8.0 to 8.9
An excellent gaming experience that misses the boat in just a few key areas. Games that score in this range still come highly recommended by IGN.

7.0 to 7.9
A good game that has some obvious flaws. Games scoring in the high end of this range might have some first-rate elements, whereas the lower 7s have some serious shortcomings that keep them from ever achieving classic status.

6.0 to 6.9
Passable, but just barely. Games in this range have more blemishes than strengths, but still might be worth a look if you're into games of its type. The other games are polite to the sixes, but they don't get invited to any of the parties. Rent this game or download the demo first before spending your hard-earned money.

5.0 to 5.9
Games scoring between a 5.0 and 5.9 have numerous major shortcomings. It's a cliche -- but we have to say it: only fans of the particular genre will get any enjoyment out of this one. You might get some enjoyment out of this as a rental, but you probably wouldn't want to own any game that scores in the 5s.

4.0 to 4.9
Any game that scores in or below this range isn't worth your attention, and if you happen to end up with one, you'll probably find yourself returning to the store for a refund. These are the games your grandmother buys for you because she thinks they're cute. Trust us, they aren't.

3.0 to 3.9
When you get to the terrible threes you know you have some major suckage going on. If your parents give you a 3 game for your birthday, suggest they start getting you socks instead.

2.0 to 2.9
Games of this caliber aren't even good enough to recycle. It's more fun to play catch with the box than it is to play the game. Maybe the cat could find some use for this one.

1.0 to 1.9
The absolute worst of the worst. Put it in a paper bag, set it aflame on your neighbor's porch, ring the doorbell, and run like hell. Just as it's rare to see a 10 on IGN, it's just as unusual to see a game score in the 1.0 to 1.9 range.

0.0 to 0.9
Okay, so we lied. 1.0 to 1.9 isn't "the absolute worst of the worst." However, we don't even consider titles that score below a 1.0 games. Think of them as sewage in a box. This range is saved for those titles that are just so incredibly bad that we question the sanity of the developer and publisher...and don't say it can't happen.