Pixel Panda Arcade

Review Policy

Reviews are rated on a token-based system and a number-based system. My review score ranges from 0 to 100, which is rarely used. Each score has a token applied, which you’ll see on the review thumbnail. 

The review system is subjective and was made with wiggle room in mind. While I can get technical in these reviews, I also wanted to leave room for emotion. Note that the Pixel Panda Arcade only has one writer, which means that it is pretty easy to see the patterns of what I tend to like and dislike.

With that being said, I really like breaking out of my comfort zone. I always let readers know when something is new to me. I will also let readers know when I suck at a game. The thing is, I can recognize when a game is good, and I am just bad at playing it.

Even if a product is provided to me, that will not impact the score. All products provided to me will be disclosed at the top of every article.

Full reviews 

Full reviews can only be done once I reach 50% of the game’s length. However, in most cases, I finish the game before reviewing it. The reason for that is that I have been swayed multiple times by how a game ends. My experience going through the game is all taken into account when scoring. 

For example, even if a bug is fixed, I am still going to talk about it in my review. You’ll notice that my reviews are long, especially if you’re reading this from 2026 and beyond. That is because I like to explore as many aspects of the game or product as I possibly can. 

DLC Review Policy 

DLC is reviewed in much the same way, but there are a few things I keep in mind. 

  • How much does the DLC Cost? 
  • Is it cosmetic? Does it add anything to the gameplay? 
  • Does it improve the narrative or the world in which the game takes place? 
  • How is the overall writing and design of the content? 
  • DLC can still earn coins even if the DLC is only cosmetic.

I have to have access to the base game to review the DLC. It is rated on a 100-point system and will earn a token at the end of every review.

Mini Reviews 

As of 2026, Mini Reviews are done before I finish the game and might be done in place of finishing the game for whatever reason. These reviews started as being shorter, but have since grown to match my normal reviews. As of 2026, Mini Reviews are not scored and can’t earn a token on the normal review scale.

Score System and Base Tokens

Ruby Token: 90-100

The Ruby Token is reserved for my favorite games of all time. Other products that receive the Ruby Token are my favorite movies, TV shows, toys, and trading cards. The Ruby Token receives a spot on the front page and is forever marked with the token icon. 

These games are not perfect, but they have a lot of things I like. The base game can earn a Ruby Token, but the DLC can earn Bronze Tokens. Likewise, DLC can earn a Ruby Token even if the base game didn’t.

Gold Token: 75-95

The Gold Token is reserved for games that I fell in love with. Make no mistake, I consider Gold Token games to be good games, good products, and well worth their money. On my scale, a 75 isn’t a bad game at all. But what separates Gold Token winners from Ruby Token winners tends to be world-building, storytelling, and characters.

Silver Token: 50-70

The Silver Token is for alright games. These games are mid-tier and can be enjoyable. Silver Token games are not bad, but they’re not cut above the rest; they are simply average. In general, the Silver Token is for alright products. They might not be awe-inspiring, but they can still be enjoyable.

Bronze Token: 35-45

The Bronze Token is for “bad” games or games that I can’t recommend. When a game is assigned a Bronze Token, I typically don’t have fun with it, or if I did, I still can’t recommend it. Bronze Tokens can be handed out to movies that have a poor plot and to toys that might be underwhelming. In general, the Bronze Token is for the more forgettable products that I can not recommend purchasing.

Bronze Tokens are subpar at best.

Broken Token: 0-30 

Any game assigned with a Broken Token should be avoided at all costs. These games are either too broken to play or horrible. Toys that receive the Broken Token don’t work, break in the box, or are of bad quality. In general, the Broken Token is reserved for products that don’t work or are of poor quality.