The ratings on Tabletop Takeaway consist of four categories: Gameplay, Quality, Replayability, and Portability. The score in each category will range from 1, the worst, to 10, the best. The rating of each of the four categories will then be averaged for a total rating out of 10 (rounded to the first decimal if necessary). Here is a description of each metric.
Gameplay
This category refers to how well the game plays. Do the mechanics work? Is it fun? Is it balanced? How does it compare to other, similar games? This is the most common metric for all reviewers, and is admittedly one of the most subjective. One unique aspect that may come into play in a Tabletop Takeaway review is whether or not the gameplay requires you to do things you might not be able to do while traveling. A 10 is for games that are the pinnacle of their type, a 5 is an average game, and a 1 is a game that is absolutely terrible.
Quality
This category refers to the component quality of the game. Is it cheap and flimsy or high quality and sturdy? How good is the art and how much does it fit the theme? How detailed are the pieces? Are the components made of the best possible medium: paper, cardboard, wood, or plastic? Is the box sturdy and functional? Also important for the gamer on the go, can you easily play the game all over without pieces getting lost or broken due to their design? For a game to score a 10 in this category, it has to have practically flawless quality. A game that scores a 5 is acceptable quality, and a 1 is simply awful.
Replayability
This category is important because the more a game can be played, the better it is to travel with. You can't always fit multiple game sessions in when you are out and about, but you always want to be prepared. Therefore, the more a game continues to be fun from one play to another, the higher this score will be. A score of 10 means players will likely have a different experience every time they play the game. A score of 5 is a game that encourages multiple plays, but does not offer different experiences. A score of 1 means the game is a one and done, even if it is a phenomenal game during that one play through.
Portability
This is the most unique category on Tabletop Takeaway. There are many things at play here. Some considerations include the size and weight of the game box, the organisation inside the box, and the required table space. Can it fit in a small bag and comfortably be carried, or is the box too big and heavy to easily transport? Do the contents of the box stay organised during transport, or is everything going to be jumbled when you open it? Can it be played on a small surface, or does it require a large table? Each review will include the dimensions of the box, a "bag test" to ensure it fits in a small bag (my bag is 13.2 inches x 4.3 inches x 10.8 inches), and a "table test" to see if the game can be played on a small coffee table (my table is 35 3/8 inches x 21 5/8 inches). A score of 10 comes in a small, likely pocket sized, box that is lightweight and keeps everything safe and organised. It also requires almost no table space. A score of 5 will either be portable or require little table space, but not both. A score of 1 is neither easily portable nor does it play in a small space.
Overall
Tabletop Takeaway reviews games equally for how good the game is and how well the game works for those with either a small living space or who want to travel with games. Combining these two things into one review will likely mean the ratings will always be a bit different from other reviewers. This is on purpose. Some phenomenal games simply do not work for the gamer on the go and will do nothing more than take up precious shelf space. Therefore, they will get a lower rating. Some games admittedly aren't as good as other, bigger games but work really well when playing on the go. Thus, their rating will likely be higher here than on other reviewers. In the simplest terms, overall scores typically reflect the following:
Tabletop Takeaway reviews games equally for how good the game is and how well the game works for those with either a small living space or who want to travel with games. Combining these two things into one review will likely mean the ratings will always be a bit different from other reviewers. This is on purpose. Some phenomenal games simply do not work for the gamer on the go and will do nothing more than take up precious shelf space. Therefore, they will get a lower rating. Some games admittedly aren't as good as other, bigger games but work really well when playing on the go. Thus, their rating will likely be higher here than on other reviewers. In the simplest terms, overall scores typically reflect the following:
7–8 = A great game that distinguishes itself from the crowd
5–6 = A good game among many good games
3–4 = A poor game with some redeeming qualities
1–2 = An awful game for the gamer on the go