Scoring System

For my blog I have created a 8 category system for scoring CRPGs that I complete. The reasoning for this system is simple: some mechanics and design choice are far more important in the CRPG genre than others.

  Below I will give an outline of my 10-category system, and the scoring system I plan to implement.

G.L.A.R.T (Game Likeability, Addictiveness and Replayability Total)

The GLART is a acronym used to describe my 3-tier scoring system. It encompasses the overall likeability, addictiveness and replayability of a CRPG. Below is a summary of each tier and the categories within:

Character Creation and Development (0-10 points)

• One of the staples of the CRPG genre, character creation and development is what sets CRPGs apart from many other types of games. In this category I am looking for deep customization options, choice and consequence, stats that matter, deep skill development, and so forth.

Combat and Encounters (0-10) points

• A combat system can make or break a CRPG. Definitely an important aspect, I am looking for rewarding and exciting combat, balanced challenge, logical monster encounters, intelligent AI, and outcomes that depend more on developed traits/skills/attributes instead of relying on reflexes and player motor skills.

Items and Equipment (0-10)

• It is hard to take a CRPG seriously if it does not have a deep and rewarding pool of items and equipment for the player to discover. In this category I am looking for balanced item design, item creation/crafting, descriptive summaries, wide selection, item durability and weight, and hard to acquire magical items.

Gameworld (0-10)

• A robust and deep gameworld can be a huge boon to a CRPG, drawing in the player and giving a large sense of immersion. In this category I am looking for lore, non-player characters, quests, weather and day/night cycle, open-ended exploration options and the overall structure and design of the gameworld.

Story and Writing (0-10 points)

• A deep story and intriguing writing is important in a CRPG, but also is not entirely necessary for a overall positive experience. For this reason, I have placed story and writing in the second tier of my scoring system. In this category I am looking for a game to offer well written dialogue, branching story arcs, believable characters and enemies with descriptive backstories, and a main plot that is original and creative.

Replayability/Ending (0-10 points)

• Any time a CRPG warrants (or encourages) another playthrough, it is a positive thing. In this category I am looking for a game to offer multiple endings, new modes that open after finishing the game, and the ability to keep playing after the main quest has ended.

Graphics/Sound (0-10 points)

• No argument can be made that great graphics, audio and interface can immerse the player into a fantasy world quickly and effectively. This category will be my personal slant and taste in graphical and audio style. I will be looking for graphics and audio that push the hardware in reference to the era the game was released, as well as bonuses for good animation, well done voice acting, proper sound effects, and a good, clean interface.

Fun Factor (0-10 points)

• At the end of the day, is a game fun? After all, this is why we should be playing games--for fun. How addictive is the game, do I look forward to each new session? How enjoyable was the ride from beginning to end?

Control/Interface (0-10 points)

• Control is very important in a CRPG, as a well fleshed out system can make or break a CRPG. Great game mechanics can be ruined by a cumbersome interface, so this category is all-important in the overall evaluation of a CRPG.

Quests/Puzzles/Riddles (0-10 points)

• Quests, riddles and puzzles can take a mediocre CRPG and turn it into something special. Many early CRPGs did not have quests except for a main goal, but in later years they have become a standard. Puzzles and riddles add another level to CRPGs instead of simply grinding encounters or min/maxing gear. All of these factors weigh in heavily for my scoring system.

  By this scoring system, a game can total a maximum of 100 points. The system will encourage games that focus on good RPG game mechanics to attain higher scores, while CRPGs that are simply eye candy with no depth will struggle.

  What do you think of the system? Let me know in the comments!