Garin wrote:

> or the reviewers are obviously buying into the hype about a
> game and give it full marks before they've even played it.

Enter GTA: San Andreas.

I dont know why people get so worked up about review scores.  Its not like theres some universal system of judging what is a good or bad game and how it should be rated.  Its inevitable some review teams arent going to like a game even if others do. 

I think where you can take issue though is when theres platform bias or the reviewers are obviously buying into the hype about a game and give it full marks before they've even played it.

Super Mario Galaxy – 10 – hm.  9 maybe, but no proper multiplayer.
Crysis – 9 – Didn’t think this looked deep enough.
Call of Duty 4 – 9 – I’d almost go for 10, but pretty much agree
Zack and Wiki – 8 – Not played, but word on the street makes this seem about right
Bladestorm – 8 – hm.  Based on the demo, I think a lower score is in order
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune – 8 – Fantastic game, but no multiplayer so 8 is about right
Mutant Storm Empire – 8 – hm.
Assassin’s Creed – 7 – about right.
Mass Effect – 7 – Thought this would be a 9
Castlevania Dracular X – 7 – Cult score.
Silent Hill Origins – 7 – Really?  7 seems quite high

Kane and Lynch – 6
Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground - 6
Hellgate: London - 6
Need for Speed Pro Street - 6
Timeshift - 6
Guitar Hero III - 6
Beowulf - 5
The Witcher - 5
The Simpson's Game - 5

Rest are about right, bar Guitar Hero III, what did they find wrong with that? Edge used to be spot on many moons ago, but these days their scores seem a bit random at times.