discussion Do ratings affect whether you download a game?

[ayakammooodds]

No, the games I like aren't usually well-received by the general public.

 

[Pisirico]

When looking at games, do you pay attention to the ratings?

If so, do 'low' ratings make you less likely to download a game?

What are your thresholds for being wary of, or even not downloading a game, based on its rating?

Personally, when there's enough ratings, I generally am wary of anything below a 4/5, and unless in an exceptional situation probably wouldn't download a game under 3.5/5.

ratings means nothing

 

[Dinoman]

Somewhat. Its pretty much a 3 way split between ratings, reviews/comments, and media like screenshots and videos.

Looking at user reviews, review bombing is increasingly more common. Sometimes decent games can get buried.

 

[PeterGriffin]

Personally no, screenshots and how active the developer is are far more important.

 

[kroman]

Yes, If it has 2 stars, I’m not downloading a game — I’m downloading a disappointment.

 

[whatsupbitches]

Personally no, screenshots and how active the developer is are far more important.

Same for me, but the issue is when the games' screenshots are out of date. I have come across some games that initially I would skip based on their screenshots (e.g. subpar render quality). But if you then check out recent updates the renders are much improved and I am interested in the game.

 

[dolmayob]

Not really but usually you can understand why the rating is so low for some game after clicking on it
Still there can be some gems exclusive to you if you are searching for some fetish stuff in games but with lower or no rating at all

 

[dekeche]

It's a factor, certainly, but I find the deciding thing is usually the presentation. I need to see 3 things before I'll try a game - Art style, Gameplay example, and a text sample. After that, then I'll take reviews, comments, and rating into account. But I need to know what the gameplay is like, if the writing is readable, and what I can expect from the art style and sex scenes first before I'll play. If all a game is showing me are the sex scenes, then how is the experience going to be any different from going and reading hentai?

 

[PeterGriffin]

It's a factor, certainly, but I find the deciding thing is usually the presentation. I need to see 3 things before I'll try a game - Art style, Gameplay example, and a text sample. After that, then I'll take reviews, comments, and rating into account. But I need to know what the gameplay is like, if the writing is readable, and what I can expect from the art style and sex scenes first before I'll play. If all a game is showing me are the sex scenes, then how is the experience going to be any different from going and reading hentai?

I’m confused, but what do you mean by "gameplay" when it comes to these kinds of uploads found here and in similar places?

 

[dekeche]

I’m confused, but what do you mean by "gameplay" when it comes to these kinds of uploads found here and in similar places?

In the context of RPGmaker games, I'd like to see what the battle screen looks like, and what the map looks like. I want to know if combat use the default RPGmaker enemies, and if it's a standard turn based battle setup or something else. I'd also like to know if the maps are made using basic RPGmaker assets, or if it's a custom tile set. Default assets aren't a deal breaker, but a game with custom asset is going to be more appealing to me.

For visual novels, if there's something beyond dialogue and choices I'd love to see that. But for a standard story I'd consider a few dialog examples as "gameplay" examples. But. that also means I weight text quality higher, and actively avoid anything that's only advertising the sex scenes without any examples of what the writing or story is like.

 

[Gillespier1]

For most games, I like to see if there is anything that appeals to me from the trailer and screenshots and store description. If it does, then I like to check out the reviews and ratings to see what people thought about it.
The rating itself is less important to me than the reasoning behind the rating. Understanding why someone rated it that way lets me decide if the reviewer is someone that shares a similar interest to me and is pointing out things that they liked or didn't like and how well the game implemented those ideas.

 

[AdamastorBino]

I have a few requirements; I generally avoid RPGM or Flash games. I always keep an eye on titles made with Unity or Ren'Py, and only then do I take a real look at the reviews.

 

[TzarMolotov]

Normally no, but when a game is RPGM and the ratings are good I give a shot.

 

[PeterGriffin]

In the context of RPGmaker games, I'd like to see what the battle screen looks like, and what the map looks like. I want to know if combat use the default RPGmaker enemies, and if it's a standard turn based battle setup or something else. I'd also like to know if the maps are made using basic RPGmaker assets, or if it's a custom tile set. Default assets aren't a deal breaker, but a game with custom asset is going to be more appealing to me.

For visual novels, if there's something beyond dialogue and choices I'd love to see that. But for a standard story I'd consider a few dialog examples as "gameplay" examples. But. that also means I weight text quality higher, and actively avoid anything that's only advertising the sex scenes without any examples of what the writing or story is like.

I never like RPGmaker games because it's not possible to play them with one hand

 

[samumal82]

I usually don't care much on the rating. If I like the title, images and synopsis then I will give it a try. But I do pay attention to the comment under the game.

 

[asteris205]

a quick look at it to see if it isn't a complete mess. in any case I can skip quite fast

 

[goobertion]

Honestly I feel like ratings arent a good tell of the quality of a game but I have totally more than once on steam saw a negative or more review rating and insta click off lol

 

[goobertion]

i prefer comments to judge if it is worth it to play it

Yeah comments can tell so much more of a whole story. Especially those with lots of time spent in the game I feel they are the most credible and I trust them more than whatever star rating.

 

[KolaKalle]

Yes i usually go by ratings but if a game is rated 5 and i think it’s no bueno after 10-15 mins i drop it.

 

[Curfew7047]

Not the actual rating so much, but seeing a large *number* of ratings usually piques my interest. Plenty of non-mediocre games end up at 3 stars because the subject matter splits opinion, but a lot of reviews (actual score notwithstanding) indicates a long development time and a good deal of investment from players. That usually leads me to take a closer look.