Personally I think that someone who is a reviewer is going to score games differently to someone who is a gamer – playing the occasional title for pleasure against the reality of job, family, school, homework, whatever. I’m aware that I can’t turn my teacher/artist hat off when watching a film and enjoy it less for the fact, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. I was almost killed by my family after watching Harry Potter 1 because they could hear me grumbling and gnashing teeth during the screening (although tbf history bears me out).

Anyhow: I try and teach critical analysis amongst other things and often use the example that I don’t like Eminem for a variety of reasons – not my taste, don’t like the worldview etc. However I think he’s an excellent lyricist, performer and actor… So I’d mark his work accordingly.

And then I add if in doubt give things a 7 out of 10. You guys have taught me well.

Thanks.