How we review

Every game in this guide goes through the same routine before it is published, and again whenever we update a review.

1. It has to be alive, and in a browser

We open the publisher's official site and confirm that the game is running, that you can register, and that it is played in a web browser without a separate client. Games that point you to a download are left out of this guide, however good they are.

2. We read what the publisher publishes

Front pages, manuals and encyclopedias, terms of use, notices to parents. Our descriptions of how a game plays come from these official sources. Where something is visible only after logging in, we say so instead of filling the gap.

3. Money and age, in the publisher's words

We report what is free, what is sold and what the publisher says about age, and no more. If a rule depends on the country, we say that rather than picking one.

4. Then we form an opinion

The verdicts, the “good fit” and “look elsewhere” lists and the pull quotes are the editorial team's own judgement, built on the facts above. They are opinions, which is why each review keeps them apart from the box listing what we checked on the publisher's site.

What we never do

• Invent player numbers, ratings, awards, dates or quotes.
• Publish star ratings or scores.
• Accept payment or free items in exchange for coverage.
• Add affiliate or tracking parameters to links.

Keeping it current

Each review shows when it was last checked. If a game closes, changes its age rules or moves to a download, we update or remove the page. Corrections are welcome at [email protected].