Numerical scores are like so last decade ago. So, breaking free from the supposed "one-size-fits-all" checklists of items to add up to a game's "score", we're going to be implementing a new five-star review system. See, we're trying to avoid having to quantify video games into arbitrary numbers. After all, many of us feel that a game isn't just the sum of all its parts (as in a checklist), but rather, the totality of the gaming experience itself! In the full article, we've come up with a handy FAQ to introduce this brand spanking new system to all of you QJ.NET readers. And yes, there're no half-stars about it! Rawr!

If you're one of the many eagerly anticipating the PC version of Bioware's Mass Effect (Xbox 360, PC), then here's something that could turn out to be a bit troublesome: the Securom implementation in the game will pretty much have users re-authenticating their CD keys every ten days via an internet connection. History repeating itself? Let's hope not. All the details in the full article, so you'd best jump to it.

After more than three years in the making, Savage 2: A Tortured Soul finally rolled out of S2 Games' kitchen. And no, it didn't land with a bang, but it was definitely highly anticipated in the independent gaming scene. The PC online real-time strategy and first-person shooter game soon drew every able man and beast from the realms of Savage: Battle for Newerth, and we hopped on for the chance to tag along. Our review of the game follows at the full story.

Having problems running your copy of The Sims 2 by Electronic Arts for the PC platform? If you are, and you're sure that it's being caused by SecuROM, we've got good news. MaxoidDrea over at the Sims 2 site is letting word that Sony DADC - the makers of SecuROM - has set up an FAQ sheet to hep you resolve your problem.

As a recap, players were reporting a few weeks back that their game copy was having conflicts with the SecuROM copyright protection written into the disc. The problem caused issues when players attempted to launch the game, or run their CD-burners and anti-virus protection.

Guys interested in finding out how to alleviate this problem will want to read Sony DADC's FAQ, available via the read link below. As a last reminder, the FAQ you'll be reading will only work for SecuROM version 7.24 or higher - keep that in mind.

Alright, now that PC World's Top 4 Web influence announced that BlizzCon 2007 isn't cancelled, you're probably have been curious as to what you're going to get for your US$ 100 entrance fee.

Given that you weren't alone in that matter, Big Blue just went straight ahead and sneaked a FAQ in right before people flooded the World of Warcraft forums with paraphrased versions of that same question.

The FAQ mentions that you can and will be receiving a BlizzCon badge for your 100 smackeroos spent.

These badges, when flashed at the BlizzBouncer mobs, will drop their aggro levels to -1 and leave you to explore the World of BlizzCon to your delight. You will also be getting a goody bag "containing exclusive swag!" And no, it doesn't include the Consortium Gems you've been waiting for.

But what about the other six million WoW-heads who aren't from the U.S. (let alone coming from Anaheim, California)? Well if you zip off to the same BlizzCon ticket sale site like the American attendees-to-be are doing, then you can also purchase a ticket and zip off to BlizzCon smack dab in the middle of QuakeCon season.

While there are nearby hotels who have provided special rooms reserved for BlizzCon attendees, StarCraft, Diablo Series">Blizzard will not be responsible for walking you to the event. But if you've got 5000 gold to spare, you could opt for a flying mount to breeze your way over the heavy traffic below. And no, we're not asking you to get mounted for it.

They will, however, tell you how you could get rooms for cheap and price tags on shuttle rentals on the BlizzCon website very soon. Plus, even the youngest of Blizzard fans can attend the event, starting from four years old onwards. So as long as they can walk, beat a Hard AI opponent as Protoss in 15 minutes, and come with father and mother figures, kids are allowed to attend.

But kids will have to cough up 100 bucks, too, if they wanted to attend, even if they can't bring their trusty Epic mount...stroller with them to navigate the BlizzCon dungeon.

And as a favor to other BlizzFans that won't be making it to the event: don't let Big Blue leave without stating a definite date for Starcraft: Ghost and Starcraft 2. Please? The world really misses Sarah Kerrigan and Nova.

Days after the rumors revolving around CoD 4 and Infinity Ward spread, the latter still refuses to comment on the matter and remains tight-lipped. However, the developer's silence is not exactly without a crack as their latest action somewhat betrays their future intentions and plans.

Infinity Ward just re-launched its official site, adding community-focused features as well as updating its networking and communication capabilities. "We worked with our fans to create a web site that speaks to their interests and in order to create an environment where fans can stay informed, express themselves and connect with one another," says Community Manager Robert Bowling.

Aside from sections devoted to the history of various installments of the Call of Duty franchise, strategy guides, IRC links and fan/clan web site tool kits, here are the major developments added to their site:

• Squad-Building: Users will be empowered to create and build their own squads for Call of Duty 2. The customizable Squad mini-site profiles will include private squad chat rooms and forums, along with rosters, photos and profiles and the ability to set up events, send out challenges, recruit and more.
• Social Networking: Users can set up personalized accounts and create/update their profile, build a network of friends, upload photos, send email, post events, create/manage clubs, maintain a personal calendar and more.
• Podcasts: Download regular interviews straight from the team at Infinity Ward. They’ll address questions and comments from the community, as well as offer featured interviews.
• Developer/Modding Tutorials: Tips and tricks for modeling, scripting, mapping and modding in all forms are available here.
• FAQ/Suggestion System: Got a question or suggestion? Community members can search for the answer here; if the answer can’t be found, questions can be posted.
• Server Admin./Modding Sections: Tips and tricks, plus useful information and help for the more proactive player.
• Montage Mayhem: A forum for members to show their skills on film by posting their own tricked-out gameplay movies.