how we rate products

We evaluate video and computer games, software, movies, and other products with hands-on testing, and rate all products on a five-scale system, with the following specific criteria:

Daytrum Product Ratings:
We rate the quality of a product as follows:
Poor
Below average
Average
Good
Outstanding

Daytrum Family Rating:
Our family rating indicates how appropriate a product is for a family. This rating considers the entertainment value for a wide range of family members, the themes, and the amount of violence.

We rate the value of the product to families as follows:
Not appropriate
Barely appropriate
Generally appropriate
Good product for families
Outstanding product for families

Daytrum Violence Ratings:
We rate game violence as follows:
No violence
Mild: Sports action and strategic war action
Moderate: Bloodless violence
Significant: Shooting and stabbings
Extreme: Violence with graphic blood

 

We give outstanding products our Daytrum Choice award. The Daytrum Choice is only awarded to products that obtain both high product and high family ratings.

Ages lets us recommend the age groups that are appropriate for the product. It may also address topics such as whether children need to know how to read.

Parental Advisory lets us describe the action in a game and emphasize various aspects that may be questionable to parents-for example, violence or sexual themes.