I have decided to start my own blog dedicated to reviewing Video Games. I am starting off reviewing older games to let people get accustomed to my style of reviewing and I will move on to doing new games as well as retro games in the future.
Head on over to the new blog to check it out!
Click the link below or the link at the right of the page to see.
http://truthofgamingreviews.blogspot.com/
I just checked out your reviews, and I have to say THANK YOU for not using NUMBERS!! For a long time, I have thought that using a 1-to-10 scale for rating games, or anything for that matter, is the most misleading and pointless thing, because it puts forth the idea that every game ever is rated on the same scale, when it could not be further from the truth.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good person, truly enlightened about the way things work. Thank you for all of your posts.
If you're being sarcastic, than to you I say: uhm... okay?
DeleteIf you're serious, than to you I say: You're welcome.
Totally serious. For a while now, I've been meaning to write a long essay as to why rating things on a 1-to-10 scale is not only meaningless, but harmful to the consumer. The fact that you chose not to use them in your "truthful game reviews", whether on purpose or just by instinct, shows that you really have your priorities in order.
DeleteFor one thing, they draw attention away from the actual content of the review. If you have a big "FINAL SCORE: 7.5" at the top or bottom of your review, most people (especially those who are wondering whether they should buy the game) are only going to look at that and leave. In my research, I have found that most people who actually READ the reasoning behind numbers are those people who have already purchased the game and played it, and are looking for reasons to disagree with the review.
Your reviews are short and to the point, and tell the reader about the game rather than putting words (or numbers) in the reader's mouth. As I have always said, when it comes to making an informed purchasing decision about a game, the game speaks for itself -- research, gameplay videos, and DEMOS are the best way to go. Reviews, especially those which assign a number grade to the game, are usually just advertisements or peer pressure generators.
Couldn't agree more with you mate.
DeleteFirst I was a little shocked that there wasn't a percentage or numerical score, but after some consideration I came to the conclusion that it's better not to have them.
A simple 'Highly recommended', 'Recommended', 'Not recommended', 'Avoid' style would be better, as all games are not born equal, but allows the reader to see, at a glance, if it's considered "good". That coupled with the fact that some cost $60, others $40, should play a key role in assessing how recommended it should be.
You could be reviewing the most incredible game in the world, but if it costs $300 for it, then it should still probably be considered 'Not Recommended', as few gamers could justify that price tag for a single game.
Keep up the good work buddy.
hay! lol, so you did decide to do reviews I'm the one who suggested it in the truth about review article :P cool i'll have to keep an eye out for you're reviews now.
ReplyDeleteIt actually was you who pushed me in that direction to do reviews, so thank you very much friend :)
DeleteAlthough I attach a numerical score to my reviews, I wouldn't mind seeing what some of you think of a couple of mine so far.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuS1HKKzXJ8&feature=plcp - Mass Effect 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yoyQnEVEEE&feature=relmfu - Oddworld
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El4u1xlcTKU&feature=relmfu - Crysis
Keep up the good work Mike.. I recommend reviewing the games which got 'not so good' ratings on popular game review sites, as they are more likely to be ignored by the gamers, rather than the hyped franchises as people will, more often than not pick up those titles.
ReplyDelete