Curious how games will be judged by the judges? Wondering how you should view the ratings yourself? Here you'll find a bit more clarification on what each level of rating means for each category!
Story and Theme
How well was the theme implemented into the game, and how engaging and/or entertaining is the story?
1 Star - The theme isn't readily present at ALL, and the story is boring and/or confusing without being entertaining.
2 Stars - The theme is there, but it's not clearly implemented. The story is bland but serviceable.
3 Stars - Average across the board. Theme is implemented OK and the story is good.
4 Stars - The theme is used well, and the story is engaging and entertaining.
5 Stars - This is a benchmark game as far as writing; the theme is used in new and creative ways and the story is incredibly well-crafted.
Creativity
Is the art direction in the game something akin to fine art, or is it just lazy assets flips with no care or thought?
1 Star - Zero creativity; full of nothing but asset flips and nothing is used in a way that shows any sort of creativity whatsoever.
2 Stars - Some original stuff used and/or the premade assets are there, and it makes sense, but barely.
3 Stars - Average use of creativity in art direction.
4 Stars - Lots of original assets used in good ways and/or premade stuff is used creatively that would make one think twice if it was bought from a store or not.
5 Stars - Premade or not, the art direction is unique, interesting, and a feast for the eyes without feeling busy.
Gameplay
How fun is the game to play? Are the game mechanics actually put in with care, or added as an afterthought?
1 Star - Barely counts as a game. There are zero mechanics that are engaging (or in the term of visual novels, no real choices, etc) and/or playing feels like a chore and is just boring.
2 Stars - Some mechanics are there, but they aren't implemented well, and/or feel like they were tacked on to make it 'feel like a game' at the last minute.
3 Stars - Average. Fun to play but a bit basic.
4 Stars - Engaging gameplay that's fun and keeps you wanting to play more.
5 Stars - A memorable, unique take on how to play the game that leaves a lasting impression. Incredibly intuitive.
Score & Sound Design
Are the sound effects and soundtrack used in good ways? Are either included in the game? Are they used to enhance the atmosphere, or detract from it?
1 Star - Either zero sound effects or music, or both are so poorly implemented, it may as well have been silent.
2 Stars - Some sound effects and music are there, but they don't fit the atmosphere and/or are improperly used.
3 Stars - Average music and sound effects. Nothing special.
4 Stars - Good use of the music to create atmosphere (or enhance existing) and the sound effects fit well.
5 Stars - Take away the music, and the game is missing part of its very soul. Excellent ear for sound and music is shown.
Hope that helps everyone better understand what the scores mean, and to help give them a better idea of how to rate games when the voting period opens!