Welcome to Starving Writer Video Game Reviews
If you are balancing a full-time job and family life, you already know that gaming time is a precious commodity. I am a gamer dad with a full-time career, and I started this site to help you figure out if a title is actually worth your hard-earned money and limited free time and, importantly, whether the kids can hang out in the room while you play.
Whether you are looking for your next 100-hour obsession or a quick weekend playthrough, you will find honest, no-nonsense reviews here tailored for busy adults.
How I Rate Games: The Shelf System
Halfway through 2023, I decided to ditch traditional numbered scores. A 7/10 means something entirely different depending on who you ask, and it does not capture the actual feel of adding a game to your collection.
Instead, I rate games using the Shelf System. Think of my game library like a well-stocked cabinet. Here is how to read the rankings before you take a pour:
Special Reserve: Grade A, top-tier gaming. This is the absolute best of the best—the kind of immersive, masterpiece experience you could drown yourself in for hundreds of hours and be perfectly happy. A definitive must-play.
Top Shelf: Now this is some good stuff. Smooth mechanics, engaging gameplay, and an experience that keeps you coming back for more and more. These titles are highly recommended and absolutely worth full price.
Mid Shelf: Not the greatest of all time, but far from the worst. A solid, middle-of-the-road experience. It’s good enough to keep installed for a while and definitely worth your time if you catch it on a sale or already love the genre.
Bottom Shelf: A bit of a cheap taste. It’s not the absolute worst, and it might be good enough to try if you can get it for free or dirt cheap, but it’s definitely not an experience you will keep coming back to.
Join the Community
This Substack is just one part of the Starving Writer world. If you enjoy the written reviews, there are a few other ways to hang out and support the work:
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Join the Discord: Want to talk games during the week? Jump into the community Discord to chat about the latest reviews, share your own recommendations, and hang out with fellow gamers.
Grab a glass, browse the shelves, and find your next favorite game!
