How we test a game before writing a word

People sometimes ask how long we play before reviewing. The honest answer is: until we have something real to say, usually several hours minimum.

We install each game on two phones, one a few years old and one recent. That tells us how it scales and where it starts to struggle. Battery drain and heat get noted on both.

We poke at the settings early, because a good options menu often signals a game that respects the player. We check control schemes, accessibility toggles, and whether anything nags you constantly.

Only after all that do we write. We keep notes as we play so the review reflects the actual experience, warts included, rather than a rosy memory.

It's not glamorous, but it's why our battery and performance notes tend to hold up.