Game Reviews

[Linkforce]

So there's this website I visit every once in a while called Gamespot.com.  I like the website because it gives me insightful information on upcoming games.  Not only that, it gives me reviews on games so I have a better idea as to what the game is about and how it plays, what it looks like, etc., etc.  

I think we could do this with the games on Charas.  What we could do is make a new section called "Reviews" or something.  There could be a section where people would post their games and a little info about them.  Then there would be someone designated to play the game first to see if it has enough length to be reviewed.  Then the actual reviewer will play the game and write a detailed and thought out review on the game.  We could have rules when someone is posting a game for review such as length, depth, information, how deep it is into the story, etc.

The review could be separated into these categories:

1. Story- What is the game about?  Plot, goal, etc.  Is it original, bland, done before, interesting, immersive, etc.

2. Graphics- How does the game look?  What kind of resources were used?  How were the maps, sprites used?

3. Characters- Were the characters interesting?  As interesting as styrofoam?  Were they thought out?  Any favorites?  Any that stand out?

4. Gameplay- Was it too hard?  Too easy?  Was it difficult to progress or did things flow gracefully and smartly.

5. Screens- Post some stills from the game and describe it to show the reader some cool/ appreciative scenes.

6. Anything else: What it has to offer, do you recommend it?  Is it one of your fav?  Etc.

I think if we did this people would be more inclined to show their work and continue to work on games.  We could even make it into a contest eventually where the highest rated game wins a prize.  Like a spriter or something like that.    Lol.  Well, if anything, I tried!!

[Djanki]

I think that this idea could help Charas; Charas has a few reviewers, but it's a really unofficial thing.

I'm all for this idea! ^_^

[Dragonium]

I agree with this idea, but the main problem with it is personal opinion. The reviewer might hate a good game. The reviewer might like a bad game. The whole competition thing would be a problem as well, since the reviews wouldn't really be reliable enough.

I mean Gamespot has that problem too. Not all (read: a worringly large number) of the reviews are... strange. Case in point, Monster Hunter Freedom 2 only scored a 5.0 or something? What?

[Archem]

I'd be all for it. Remember my old game reviews? That shows that I care enough for the idea to take part in it myself if need be.

[Linkforce]

Drag- Well we could have maybe 2-3 people review a game and then have like a head person read each review and submit the one that is the most opinionated.  That could also tie into the whole "contest" concept I mentioned.  

I think it's a pretty good idea!  I'd like to know what some of the Mods think.....

And Woo!  Archem agrees with ME!  lol

[Moosetroop11]

Not a bad idea. I take it demos would be reviewed? There's not enough complete games to really pull this off.

[Linkforce]

Yeah demos definitely.  Otherwise there would be like 3 reviews.  Haha

[Ben]

Game reviews are good. If A good game gets a bad review, whatever, thats the pergoative of the reviewer.

[aboutasoandthis]

I've never liked Story, Graphics, etc. sections in reviews. It excludes games that are more in the minigame or artsy category. You might also get the people who take certain sections too far.

If we had this idea, I'd rather see it done like in Famitsu, 4 scores on a scale of 1 - 10 (40 Total) with three or four sentences explaining why. I think this would be easier to write.

Here's the one for Super Smash Bros. Brawl:

Nintendo
January 24, 2008 Sale Date \ 6,800 (sales tax inc.)
Variety Fighter/ Action
You can control tons of characters like Mario and Snake. Up to four players can battle at once. Cooperative mode is added in. Online battles are also possible.
Target Players: Anyone can enjoy this one
Average Play time: That depends on how you play this game

This time single player has tons of content. The adventure mode is quite long and fun. And the story presentation is amazing. As for the fights, with the strong unpredictable factor that comes with final smashes, more than ever we can be excited about matches not being related to skill. The controls and sound are also satisfying. Hats off to Nintendo.
Score: 10

The new unpredictable factor that is the final smash allows us to enjoy an amazing effect and refreshing feel from any character. The fights are even more intense. The single player modes are abundant and a plus. The Subspace Emissary Adventure mode movie and action tempo are good and you just forget time while playing. Im highly satisfied with the game.
Score: 10

The powerhouse cast and gimmicks! The dynamic and subtle character moves! The must see final smashes! There are tons of battle stages. The single player mode is also extremely satisfying. There is a stage edit, and you can browse through the detailed information in the game.
Score 10

The moves of the the all star roster of characters have been polished, and the addicting one player mode has been perfected. With its outstanding graphics and wonderful ambience, Brawl is an epic game in which you can feel the efforts that went into it. Every time you play it, you’ll discover something new, and you’ll savor both sweet joy and bitter loss when you battle.
Score: 10

[Linkforce]

Originally posted by aboutasoandthis
I've never liked Story, Graphics, etc. sections in reviews. It excludes games that are more in the minigame or artsy category.

[/B][/QUOTE]

How can you exclude Story??  Whats the point of the game then?  Whats the point in reviewing if you cant talk about the story.

[aboutasoandthis]

Are you high? :p  I never said not to talk about the story. I said I don't like sections.

If you want to talk about the story DO IT! All the better. I just think that a paragraph a person would be really easy to write. Plus it makes a game look good to get a 10s from 4 different people instead of just one.

[Linkforce]

Lol, oh ok gotcha.

So.....I wonder if any of the MODS want to put this INTO WORK.

HINT HINT  *WINK*

[Ace of Spades]

tl, dr

[Linkforce]

Originally posted by Ace of Spades
tl, dr

Say what now?

[FFL2and3rocks]

It means "too long; didn't read."