I rate games on several different factors. Graphics, gameplay, and storyline being the most important. But also textures, elemental effects(fire, water, etc.), voicework, atmosphere, and online play. Halo 3 does every one of these remarkably well and makes for a great game overall. I give it a 10 because it's one of the best games I've ever played. You can't judge a book by it's cover, neither can you judge a game by graphics, gameplay, or storyline alone.