• 4Apr 13

  My review scale

  In the event that anyone is interested in reading my reviews, I thought it might be helpful to define my scale.

  10-Crown Jewels. Games awarded 10s are not only masterpieces; they are masterpieces that stand above other masterpieces.

  9.5-Masterpieces. I give 9.5s to masterful games that are incredibly well made, but are also deeply resonant. They represent the absolute best their respective genres have to offer.

  9.0-Excellent games. 9s are given to games that are absolutely excellent experiences, but have some flaws holding them back from being masterpieces or simply don't have the resonance of 9.5s.

  8.5-Great games. A score of 8.5 is given to games that are of very high quality and are also very memorable, but they have certain drawbacks holding them back from excellence. 

  8.0-Very good games. An 8.0 is a score that I give to a game that I can't really call a great game because of a severe flaw or a high number of small flaws, but 8.0s definitely have certain excellent aspects about them (in the midst of those flaws) that earn them the title of "very good" rather than "merely good."

  7.5-Merely good games. 7.5s are definitely good games, but not much more than that. These games are quality experiences but they lack resonant or excellent qualities. Or if they do have excellent qualities, they have extremely severe flaws anchoring them to a 7.5 score despite the excellent bits; a good example of this is Final Fantasy XIII.

  7.0-Decent games. 7.0s can offer you a good time, but they are usually merely dumb fun and are not in any way memorable. However, there's nothing offensively wrong with these games; they just fail to make a strong impression. 

  6.0-6.5-Mediocre games. Games awarded 6-6.5 scores can have plenty of redeaming qualities, but these qualities are smothered by tons of mediocrity or lots of flawed elements. These games are not bad, but they are not particularly good either.

  5.0-5.5-Poor games. It's a given that games in the 5 range are mediocre, but 5 range games can either have some extremely low quality elements dragging down any good qualities or they might be so boring that the experience is instantly ruined.

  4.0-4.5-Really poor games. Games in the 4.0 and 4.5 range are much like games in the 5.0-5.5, but they are boring, mediocre, and have low quality elements to a greater degree.

  3.0-3.5-Broken games. Games in the 3 range are just too broken to be enjoyable. They might have one or two redeaming qualities, but if I give a game a 3 range score, you can be sure that it is a total mess.

  2.0-2.5-Absolute garbage. If a game gets a 2 range score from me, the developer probably didn't even try to make a coherent game.

  1.0-1.5-Offensively bad. This kind of score is reserved for games that are absolutely putrid. I would only give a score like this to a game like the infamous Big Rigs.

  • Posted Apr 4, 2013 7:08 pm GMT
  • Category: Other
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• 28Jul 12

  My 100 favorite songs of all time (continued...)

  As I said before, I ran out of space, so I'm finishing my list in this blog post.

  93. Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Tears for Fears) The opening lyrics "Welcome to your life" is brilliant and so is the rest of the song with its stunning melody and its subtly atmospheric groove.

  94. 1979 (The Smashing Pumpkins) This song has a perfect groove and although I find the vocals to be annoying on alot of Smashing Pumpkins songs, they work flawlessly on this pop/rock gem.

  95. Man on the Moon (R.E.M) I'm not really an R.E.M fan, but this song has such an understated and beautiful mood and the chorus is stunning. I also like the sort of Elvis-like inflection in the vocals at about 1:15-1:16.

  96. Hounds of Love (Kate Bush) This song is the perfect example of the gorgeous weirdness of Kate Bush's work.

  97. Cloudbusting (Kate Bush) This song's sligthly surreal string arrangement is divine. Even for a Kate Bush song, this jem has a unique atmosphere.

  98. Starlight (Muse) The piano section is breathtakingly gorgeous and so are the high notes.

  99. White Flag (Dido) One on the most gorgeous pop songs ever written. Dido makes the best of the fantastic melody with gorgeous vocals.

  100. The End (The Doors) To the end this list, I leave you with most beautiful and epic song about "endings" ever.

  • Posted Jul 28, 2012 9:59 pm GMT
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• 16Jul 12

  My 100 favorite songs of all time (in no particular order)

  1. Like A Prayer (Madonna) With its powerful opening lyrics, its clever double meanings, its glorious melodies, and its uplifting choir section, Like A Prayer is, IMO, the best pop song ever written.

  2. Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)A multipart song in which every part is memorable and legendary, this is a sure candidate for the greatest rock song ever written.

  3. I'm Only Sleeping (The Beatles) With its dragging melody and its dreamy atmosphere, it's rare that a song matches its title so well.

  4. Wuthering Heights (Kate Bush) Mystical, weird, beautiful, and literary all at the same time, this song is unforgettable.

  5. Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones)With one of the greatest intros ever in a rock song, you'd expect that the actual song would be an anti-climax, but it's not. Gimme Shelter delivers all the way though.

  6. The Wizard and I (from Wicked; written by Stephen Schwartz)This song is so full of magic, wonder and longing, and the belting section gives me chills.

  7. Santeria (Sublime)This bluesy ska fusion demonstrates everything that is addictive about Sublime's signature sound.

  8. Carribean Blue (Enya)At once mystical, magical, haunting, and spellbindingly gorgeous, this song is the perfect song if you want to put beautiful images into your head.

  9. Fools Gold (The Stone Roses)This song is strange, mysterious and funky all at the same time and I've yet to find a song that sounds like it.

  10. Stand By Me (Ben E. King)This song not only sounds beautiful, but its simple lyrics are powerful.

  11. Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns 'N' Roses)This song has one of of the greatest guitar riffs I've ever heard and there's a great song there to back it up.

  12. Let It Be (The Beatles)Like "Like A Prayer", this song, with music, evokes the beauty of church.

  13. Da Art of Storyelling Part II (Outkast)A song partly about apocalypse and the destruction of earth, Da Art of Storytelling Part 2 sounds haunting, earthy and intense.

  14. Dark Fantasy (Kanye West)Once you hear the angelic intro in this one, the song hooks you. Well, atleast it hooked me.

  15. When Doves Cry (Prince) There's still nothing that sounds like this song. This song shows how awesome and unique something can sound if you remove the bassline.

  16. Kissing in the Rain (Patrick Doyle)This was a song for Great Expectations the movie and honestly it is as beautiful as Dickens wants you to believe Estella is.

  17. Like A Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan)The verse about the fall from a smug middle ****existence to a life of povery is genius.

  18. Summer Highland Falls (Billy Joel)This song perfectly evokes the beauty of summer with its delicate rolling piano and its gorgeous melodies.

  19. Ray of Light (Madonna) Both beautiful and endlessly energetic, Ray of Light is what it would feel like to fly through the sky at the speed of sound.

  20. Seasons of Love (from Rent; written by Jonathan Larson)This is Rent's signature song for a reason. Cleverly putting a measure of time into song but keeping to the theme of all the love and friendship and love that takes place in a year, Seasons of Love is a powerful song.

  21. Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper)Lush and wistful, this is one of the best ballads of the 80s.

  22. I Could Give You A Mirror (Eurythmics) Addictive melody and groove and the lyrics "I could give you a mirror to show you" dissapointments is a brilliant lyric.

  23. Dreams (Fleetwood Mac)This might seem corny, but this song is truly like a beautiful dream. It's a great song to chill out to.

  24. Rosa Parks (Outkast)I can't get enough of this song's southern bluesiness. It was worth getting sued by Rosa Parks to make this song.

  25. Hide and Seek (Imogen Heap)It's amazing how a song made of overlayed vocals can sound like there's so much going on. This song is extremely gorgeous.

  26. Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (Elton John)This is one hell of a long song, but the build up is amazing and when Love Lies Bleeding starts, it doesn't let the build up down.

  27. Fake Plastic Trees (Radiohead)The high notes in this song are amazing and the lyrics are very poetic and beautiful.

  28. Oh Father (Madonna)If you think about this haunting ballad in terms of Madonna's life, it seems overdramatic and a bit pretentious, but when applied to real cases of parental neglect, it is very powerful. The emotion that her voice evokes is amazing.

  29. Symphony 29 First Movement (Mozart) I love the energetic strings at the beginning.

  30. Another Day (Jonathan Larson; from the musical Rent)The opening guitar riff is extremely beautiful and the back and forth between Mimi and Roger is compelling.

  31. Drowned World/Substitute For Love (Madonna) So atmospheric and dreamy. Reminds me of being underwater.

  32. Diamonds and Pearls (Prince) This song has a beautiful crystalline quality that reminds me of diamonds and pearls.

  33. One For The Vine (Genesis)There are some absolutely beautiful synth sections in this epic song.

  34. Just Like Heaven (The Cure) This song has a gorgeous synth line in the intro and I love the lush guitars.

  35. Spiderwebs (No Doubt) I love this song's energetic chorus and those amazing horns.

  36. In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) I love this song's lush and mystical atmosphere.

  37. Concerto For Flute And Harp K 299; 2nd Movement (Mozart) This dreamy flute concerto might be the most beautiful piece of classical music I've ever heard.

  38. Sexy Sadie (The Beatles) The karma theme is incredibly well-executed and I love the drunken sounding piano.

  39. These Dreams (Heart) One of the most beautiful melodies of all time.

  40. Paranoid Android (Radiohead) Not only is this track extremely unique, but there's something about the dark guitars, the dreary melody, and the little voices in the background that make this one blissfully unsettling.

  41. Back in the High Life Again (Steve Winwood) This song's lyrics are really fantastic. They're inspiring without being corny.

  42. Tumbling Dice (The Rolling Stones) This song is funky in all the right ways.

  43. All I Want (Toad the Wet Sprocket) Horrible band name aside, this song is gorgeous with its incredibly dreamy melody and its warm feel good chorus.

  44. It's My Life (Talk Talk) This version b!tchslaps the No Doubt version. It's far more atmospheric and has more interesting vocals.

  45. Live To Tell (Madonna) I know I keep using thie word, but this ballad is so mystical and is beautiful from start to finish. The "If I ran away..." part is one of the greatest moments in pop music IMO.

  46. Fast Car (Tracy Chapman) Musically this song is gorgeous, but the yearning for a better life in the lyrics is heartbreaking.

  47. Malagena Salerosa (Chingon) I've never been that big on Latin music, but this song's energy is irresistable.

  48. 30/90 (Jonathan Larson; from the musical Tick, Tick...Boom!) This song's theme about aging is executed perfectly, but what really makes this song tick is the infectious chorus.

  49. Self Control (Laura Branigan) This song talks alot about the night and its noctural atmosphere is beautiful and mysterious. Lovely vocals too.

  50. Sea Green (William Orbit) Everything that's awesome about William Orbit's sound wrapped up into one song.

  51. Your Wildest Dreams (The Moody Blues) This song has a really warm whimsical quality that I find appealing.

  52. Digital Love (Daft Punk) A perfect fusion of pop and electronic. Reminds me of a space oddyssey. Daft Punk's best song by far.

  53. Total Eclipse of the Heart (Bonnie Tyler) One of the most powerful vocal performances ever. The "turnaround" refrain is also powerful, but the best part of the song is when it goes all quiet and then goes, "Once upon I was falling alove, but now I'm only falling apart..."

  54. I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues (Elton John) Gorgeous bluesy pop tune. Great lyrics as well.

  55. Take Me Or Leave Me (Jonathan Larson; from the musical Rent) A perfect pop song. The melody is so addictive, especially the chorus.

  56. Dream On (Aerosmith) This song has a sumblime chorus and the verses provide amazing build up.

  57. Running Up That Hill (Kate Bush) This song has lovely synths and the drum beat provides a perfect backdrop for the image of running up a hill.

  58. Can't C Me (Tupac) Everything that is awesome about G-funk is wrapped up in this song.

  59. Heart of the City (Jay Z) I love this kind of soulful hip hop and this is pretty much the best example of it.

  60. I'm Trying to Break Your Heart (Wilco) Underneath the various background sounds is an ordinary "great song" but the background noises make it very special.

  61. I Feel Love (Donna Summer) IMO, this song has an innovative vocal style that puts it head and shoulder above other disco songs.It also was the basis for Madonna's excellent Future Lovers, so it's on my list for that reason as well.

  62. Porcelain (Moby) Gorgeous. Sounds exactly like a song titled porcelain would, delicate and elegant.

  63. Chonkyfire (Outkast) This song has one of the best beats I've ever heard. I love that snake-like guitar and those cryptic drums.

  64. Mind Games (John Lennon) Lovely lyrics plus an epic sweeping arrangement=pure gold.My favorite Lennon solo song.

  65. Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac) This song is just barely beat out by Dreams for best Fleetwood Mac song. The chorus is sublime.

  66. Santa Fe (Jonathan Larson; from the musical Rent) The harmonies in this song are amazing and the song really does sound like Santa Fe and as you can all ready tell, I'm a sucker for songs that match their title in sound.

  67. Breakout (Swing Out Sister) Corrine Drewery has an excellent voice and this song is just pure jazzy pop euphoria. Don't care for Swing Out Sister's other stuff tho.

  68. Atmosphere (Joy Division) A song called atmosphere needs plenty of it and this song is overflowing with it. I love the way the gental guitar complements the slightly militant drums.

  69. This Charming Man (The Smiths) Superb nimble vocals and as one of the comments in the YouTube link says, "The best song about being handsome."

  70. Dance Hall Days (Wang Chung) This song has an irresistable groove and an addictive melody.

  71. Pyramid Song (Radiohead) Extremely delicate and somewhat haunting, this is both one of Radiohead's most beautiful and interesting songs.

  72. Band on the Run (Paul McCartney & Wings) I love the moody intro, but even better is when it gets fast. Best solo McCartney song by far.

  73. Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve) I never really got into The Verve apart from this song, but there's no denying that this is a gorgeous masterpiece of a song. Who can deny the power of those strings?

  74. Little Red Corvette (Prince) The verses and vocal in this song have such a distinctive melody and the chorus is great too.One of the best pop tunes of the 80s.

  75. New (No Doubt) Unique energetic verses give way to one hell of a chorus. Best No Doubt song after Spiderwebs.

  76. Here Comes The Rain Again (Eurhythmics) What's awesome about this song is how it shifts from being moody to warm.

  77. Behind the Lines (Genesis) You wouldn't think prog rock and Motown would mix, but this song does just that with a high degree of success.

  78. Strawberry Fields Forever (The Beatles) Gorgeous melody and lyrics and as a Sgt. Pepper-styled song, it does much more for me than any song on that album.

  79. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Johann Sebastian Bach) This song is three minutes of pure beauty. It reminds me of a gorgeous Spring day.

  80. Layla (Eric Clapton) This song's energy and driving force is addictive. As cliche as it may sound, it remains Clapton's best song.

  81. Saturday in the Park (Chicago) This song has the kind of infectious groove and melody that has the energy of a day at the park. This is another one of those "sound matches title" songs that I'm such a sucker for.

  82. Never Let Me Go (written by Luther Dixon; sung by Jane Monheit) I have to admit that this song's placement has more to do with the fact that the movie version of the novel "Never Let Me Go", which is my favorite novel ever, introduced me to this song. It is still extremely lovely tho.

  83. Cul-de-sac (Genesis) My favorite aspect of this song is the grandness of it, especially the chorus: "You know you're on the way out. It's Just a matter of time!"

  84. Honky Tonk Woman (The Rolling Stones) IMO, this song represents what the Stones were best at: slinky bluesy rock tunes. Sure, I like Paint It Black as much as the next guy, but I prefer the Stones in this funkier mode.

  85. Oxygene 4 (Jean Michel Jarre) I love anything atmospheric and nocturnal-sounding and this song really knocks those two traits out of the park.

  86. You Got It (Roy Orbison) This song is what would happen if you mixed the smoot and silky vocals of an Elvis song with the energy and groove of a Beatles song.

  87. Five To One (The Doors) With it's jangly instrumental and its growled melody, this is The Door's most interest song IMO.

  88. Take On Me (A-ha) How could any fan of 80s music not have this on their list? The intro is legendary and the super high range in the vocal performance is stunning.

  89. Sitting On the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding) This song is pure poetry from the lovely lyrics to the sooting melody. This is the kind of song that makes you realize how beautiful the world is.

  90. Tennessee (Arrested Development) The lyrics to this song are depressing, but the sound is so uplifting and spiritual.

  91. Real Life (Jonathan Larson; from the musical Tick, Tick...Boom!) There's something beautifully eerie about this dreamy ballad. The vocals are a strong anchor amongst a slightly ghostly backdrop.

  92. Mer Girl (Madonna) This is probably one of the most emotionally stirring and haunting pop songs I've ever heard. It is a powerful narrative set against watery and ghostly soundscapes. The final lines about her mother's burning flesh are odd but strangely powerful.

  I've run out of space, so I have to finish this list in another blog post. Stay tuned.

  • Posted Jul 16, 2012 7:42 pm GMT
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