• 6Oct 09

  Un-complicate the complicated

  Having experienced the evolution of reviews I have come up with some basic conclusions of my own. During the early days, game reviews consisted of the reviewers; first impressions, its mechanics, storyline and the overall entertainment of the game.

  Over the years I have seen the reviewer compete and compare the foundation of past game reviews with present day releases. They begin by drawing comparisons with prior games and thus become overcomplicated and laced with personal preference. They also compare the graphics quality of one with another when this doesn't even affect the game title that is being reviewed.

  Exploring the game title and staying within the boundaries of; first impressions, mechanics, storyline and entertainment allows for the reader to decide whether he or she will purchase the game. Based on this simple outline maintains the integrity and quality of the review.

  "Avault" back in the early days had a decent review site. They used a star system and seal of excellence for those over the top games. The review explored the fundamental outline of the game itself. Today, review sites have changed and lost the vision of the early days.

  Some call it evolving and progressing with the times. I call it "missing the mark"

  Game reviews should be just that, simple, uncomplicated, unbiased and entertaining. Let the reader form an opinion and give the developer a chance to sell their product. Giving us the game review as outlined above, to me is the Holy Grail of reviews.

  Where has time brought us? Getting back to the basics in an over complicated world would allow for games to become what they are meant to be, "A time away from reality and pure entertainment".

  • Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:49 pm PT
  • Category: Editorial
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• 3Oct 09

  Kudos to the players

  I must say, lately I have been happily surprised, .... that some of the recent reviews have been poised around the game and what it has to offer concerning playability and entertainment. Rather than focusing on comparing it to a game that was alike. The review stood out for its informative overview of the game itself.

  Those reviews have the hint of glories past for the quality of the review. Sharing the good the bad and the ugly of a game without personal bias allows for the reader to get a good oversight of the game itself. It doesn't poison the reader with a reviewer's personal bias. Thus allowing the reader to decide based on the overall game play on whether he or she will invest in the game.

  Companies that invest the money developing the game should be given the opportunity to deliver based on the overall playability and quality of the release. It will either make or break their reputation. If a company releases a bomb or a good to great game, it is those that actually play it that make up their investment and allows for another release to be offered by that company.

  Codemaster in my opinion is one of those companies that failed to deliver on a much hyped game by they themselves, "Turning Point Fall of Liberty" ring a bell…… but for me redeemed themselves with the release…"The Rise of the Argonauts." I am waiting to play "Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising" and hope that it will be what the hype from their camp has been leading us to believe it is…….or is not.

  I will read the players reviews to help me with that purchase. To me this is the key, all the post by those who post their personal review of the game during and after they have played it is a wealth of information. Kudos to you all who buy and play the games, I appreciate your input. You guys and gals are the reviews that most hardcore gamers look for. Keep up the good input and continue to play on.

  Thank you Gamespot for allowing your patrons to continue to contribute their wealthy advice about a games good bad and ugly side. Most readers appreciate this as I do.

  • Posted Oct 3, 2009 7:18 pm PT
  • Category: Games
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• 14Sep 09

  Freedom of Speech or Bias in speech....you choose

  I am appalled by the lack of news worthy coverage from some of the old school main stream media of these days. Simply ignoring the facts or distorting the story to fit ones agenda or distort the facts due to ones affiliations is happening at a runaway pace in these trying times.

  We as a nation, who are Americans first should cast aside any divisions and reach across the table with hands of unity. Respecting difference of opinion and encourage debate when that differs.

  Never allowing distortion of the facts to benefit the elite few but allow for the truth to become the basis for discussion.

  We should never forget the promise of Equality and Freedom that our forefathers sacrificed and died to secure for all future generations. Thus creating the Constitution of the United States to ensure that tyranny will never walk again on our shores of Freedom that we call home....America.

  • Posted Sep 14, 2009 6:43 pm PT
  • Category: Editorial
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