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Topic: Review Scores - Do you agree?

Posts 41 to 60 of 91

Windy

I have this don't knock it, till you try it attitude. I've actually liked games that have been rated as low as a 2 in the past years. But so Far Nintendolife has been right on with their reviews and the games I have tried. I had a Difference of oppinion on ATV Wild Ride with Phillips review of the game but that doesn't mean anything. He rated the game the way he saw fit and I rated it the way I saw fit. You really have to feel a game to like it and everybody has a different oppinion. So.....Don't knock it, till you try it

Still playing 3DS but will have Switch soon for multiplayer with friends. I miss you guys! Adam, Joni, Gavin and the rest of the Blue Rogues from the Phantasy Star Zero Days.

3DS Friend Code: 0877-0511-8391 | Nintendo Network ID: Windy3DS

Scollurio

Windy wrote:

I have this don't knock it, till you try it attitude. I've actually liked games that have been rated as low as a 2 in the past years. But so Far Nintendolife has been right on with their reviews and the games I have tried. I had a Difference of oppinion on ATV Wild Ride with Phillips review of the game but that doesn't mean anything. He rated the game the way he saw fit and I rated it the way I saw fit. You really have to feel a game to like it and everybody has a different oppinion. So.....Don't knock it, till you try it

Except you generally don't like the genre!
But yeah thats a good attitude I guess!

#supportindies
Top 5 Indies I'd recommend you try: #1 Lovecraft's Untold Stories, #2 Moonlighter, #3 Hotline Miami, #4 Inside, #5 Into the Breach.

Switch Friend Code: SW-5821-0423-7909 | My Nintendo: Scollurio | Nintendo Network ID: Scollurio | Twitter:

Chrono_Cross

Another thing I consistently read on the internet (on this site as well), is when a "critic" doesn't specifically enjoy a genre such as platformers and reviews New Super Mario Bros. 2.

Of course he/she knows what they're getting into, but it's not always on purpose. Plus, if the game was objectively appealing in the slightest conceivable way, the reviewer would have given it a positive review.

Lastly, the expectations of gamers. When a game receives a 7 or an 8, that doesn't automatically dictate that the game(s) is bad, nor is the review correct.

Edited on by Chrono_Cross

Just for you.
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear." - Freddie Mercury

Bankai

Chrono_Cross wrote:

Another thing I consistently read on the internet (on this site as well), is when a "critic" doesn't specifically enjoy a genre such as platformers and reviews New Super Mario Bros. 2.

Of course he/she knows what they're getting into, but it's not always on purpose. Plus, if the game was objectively appealing in the slightest conceivable way, the reviewer would have given it a positive review.

Lastly, the expectations of gamers. When a game receives a 7 or an 8, that doesn't automatically dictate that the game(s) is bad, nor is the review correct.

Yes, this attitude that the only people who can review a game of a genre is a fan of that genre is incredibly silly.

If a person who hated, say, the FPS genre gave Crysis 3 a 4.5/5 then that's a review worth taking more seriously than a FPS fanboy giving Crysis 3 4.5/5

RobbEJay

Bankai wrote:

Yes, this attitude that the only people who can review a game of a genre is a fan of that genre is incredibly silly.

If a person who hated, say, the FPS genre gave Crysis 3 a 4.5/5 then that's a review worth taking more seriously than a FPS fanboy giving Crysis 3 4.5/5

Thats why I think its just as important not to get too comfortable with with a select few reviewers as it is to find one that has similar tastes to yours. Its always a good idea to seek information from an opposing viewpoint.

I personally don't pay much attention to the scores, mainly because I care more about why it got the score it did. The other reason is I play a lot of games that are either the love/hate type or just don't get high scores very often anyway. I'm also just comfortable enough with my own tastes to decide if a game looks enjoyable. If I do read a review it'll usually be for a game I'm on the fence about or just for fun to see how a game I like stacks up, but would rather watch a video review like CGR or ReviewTechUSA when possible.

Edited on by RobbEJay

RobbEJay

Bankai

Poll time!

Do people read reviews solely because they are looking for buying advice, or do they read reviews because they want to engage with the game: discuss it in the comments section, research a range of viewpoints around a game, challenge their own opinions on a game?

Because I personally believe that in an age of YouTube and freemium, the value of a review is not so much in its utility as buyers advice as it is in creating discussion around a game, and the broader implications of that game. It's worth as a social text, its artistic merit, the morality of it.

There is value in game reviews, but I find it to me more in creating debate and furthering knowledge about the games industry than telling people whether to spend their money on the game.

Edited on by Bankai

Chrono_Cross

I never read reviews to help decide purchasing a game. The only thing that directs my attention and money are previews, interviews and research on the specific studio(s) working on the upcoming title prior to launch.

Games that fail to gain my attention before release aren't games worth mentioning outside of my playtime. With a few exceptions, of course.

This is an answer to Bandai's poll. ... Seriously consider changing your name to Bandai, lol!

Just for you.
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear." - Freddie Mercury

RoryLee

Buying advice. I don't rent games anymore so I need to get an idea of what I'm gonna be spending my money on and how much I'll be getting out of a game.

Nintendo ID: RoryLee
3DS: 3007-8085-6351

Ralizah

Chrono_Cross wrote:

Another thing I consistently read on the internet (on this site as well), is when a "critic" doesn't specifically enjoy a genre such as platformers and reviews New Super Mario Bros. 2.

Of course he/she knows what they're getting into, but it's not always on purpose. Plus, if the game was objectively appealing in the slightest conceivable way, the reviewer would have given it a positive review.

Lastly, the expectations of gamers. When a game receives a 7 or an 8, that doesn't automatically dictate that the game(s) is bad, nor is the review correct.

It can be a legitimate criticism, though. If a reviewer genuinely dislikes the genre of the game he is reviewing, this is going to skew his opinions on the matter.

Of course, excessive fanboyism can also be bad. I'm thinking of the IGN review of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, which basically amounted to the reviewer whining about the game being too different from previous castlevanias.

As to your later question, I will look at reviews of a game to make sure they're not all saying the same thing when it comes to crippling design flaws, but otherwise I like reviews as a way of engaging with the game and the community of people who have played or are eager to play the game.

Edited on by Ralizah

Currently Playing: Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re- Boot Camp (NS)

Chrono_Cross

If a reviewer genuinely dislikes the genre of the game he is reviewing, this is going to skew his opinions on the matter.

This brings me back to the fact that critics should not be gamers.

I'm more of a critic than a gamer when it comes down to the nitty gritty, and with my time on a site I was reviewing on, my unbiased reviews of Nintendo games were treated with fanboy rage.

So I left. But as someone who dislikes the hack 'n slash genre, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes and the recent DmC: Devil May Cry have unexpectedly left an impression most games in familiar genres could not implant into my mind.

Just for you.
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear." - Freddie Mercury

CanisWolfred

But not everyone interested in the game is already a fan of the genre. It's good to know where a good starting point would be, as well as what ones to not go for if you're just starting out. Would you really want to read a review of someone gushing over the technicals of a Disgaea game when you've never played an SRPG before? I certainly wouldn't.

Granted, this is why going to multiple review sites is important, so you can get multiple perspectives.

I am the Wolf...Red
Backloggery | DeviantArt
Wolfrun?

Bankai

Chrono_Cross wrote:

If a reviewer genuinely dislikes the genre of the game he is reviewing, this is going to skew his opinions on the matter.

This brings me back to the fact that critics should not be gamers.

I'm more of a critic than a gamer when it comes down to the nitty gritty, and with my time on a site I was reviewing on, my unbiased reviews of Nintendo games were treated with fanboy rage.

So I left. But as someone who dislikes the hack 'n slash genre, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes and the recent DmC: Devil May Cry have unexpectedly left an impression most games in familiar genres could not implant into my mind.

I still want you on my site.

But you are factually wrong about Sengoku Basara being anything but dog's doodie.

Windy

I don't buy games in Genres I don't like anymore. For years I would try games in genres I didn't like thinking this would be the game to get me into that genre but it just didn't work. So I think for a reviewer to be assigned a genre they don't like is just dumb. Of course their review is probably going to be lower. I wish they wouldn't even attempt to do reviews in Genres they don't like, cause you can just feel it in their words. Not only that but it really is an uphill climb for someone to like a game in a genre they don't like. I guess a media outlets thinking would be that it's an honest and unbiased oppinion but is it really if they hate the genre?

Edited on by Windy

Still playing 3DS but will have Switch soon for multiplayer with friends. I miss you guys! Adam, Joni, Gavin and the rest of the Blue Rogues from the Phantasy Star Zero Days.

3DS Friend Code: 0877-0511-8391 | Nintendo Network ID: Windy3DS

CanisWolfred

Windy wrote:

I don't buy games in Genres I don't like anymore. For years I would try games in genres I didn't like thinking this would be the game to get me into that genre but it just didn't work. So I think for a reviewer to be assigned a genre they don't like is just dumb. Of course their review is probably going to be lower. I wish they wouldn't even attempt to do reviews in Genres they don't like, cause you can just feel it in their words.

Not everyone is as inflexable as you. Some people just need to find the right games to play before they get into the genre. Others can still appreciate good games that just aren't for them. In fact, I think that's a requirement to be a reviewer...or at least it really should be if it isn't already.

I am the Wolf...Red
Backloggery | DeviantArt
Wolfrun?

Chrono_Cross

Bankai wrote:

I still want you on my site.

But you are factually wrong about Sengoku Basara being anything but dog's doodie.

Time's a factor. I'll be on your site eventually. Or, in other words, I accept! lol

If what you're getting at is that Sengoku is a far less rewarding hack 'n slash game compared to its competition, I have to consider getting a better job.

Just for you.
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear." - Freddie Mercury

CanisWolfred

I liked Sengoku because of it's charm and characters, more than anything else. I still say the gameplay is on par or above most of the Warriors games that were around at the time, though.

I am the Wolf...Red
Backloggery | DeviantArt
Wolfrun?

Jellitoe

I tried the Castlevania demo this weekend, and (based on that) I am glad I am skipping it. All scores are based on opinions. For them (IGN) that what the games deserves. I probably would have given it a similar score. But that doesn't mean someone else more fond of this type of game can't give it a 10, this is all opinion based and anyone who bases their purchases on it will miss some of the best games ever created like Wind Waker to mention one.

Jellitoe

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Ralizah

Chrono_Cross wrote:

If a reviewer genuinely dislikes the genre of the game he is reviewing, this is going to skew his opinions on the matter.

This brings me back to the fact that critics should not be gamers.

I'm more of a critic than a gamer when it comes down to the nitty gritty, and with my time on a site I was reviewing on, my unbiased reviews of Nintendo games were treated with fanboy rage.

So I left. But as someone who dislikes the hack 'n slash genre, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes and the recent DmC: Devil May Cry have unexpectedly left an impression most games in familiar genres could not implant into my mind.

I highly doubt your reviews were unbiased. Which isn't intended as a slight toward you. Everyone is biased. The best critics recognize their biases and incorporate this into their assessment of something (for instance, Roger Ebert sometimes noting: "I didn't like this film, but if you are a fan of [x] genre, you will most likely be delighted by it").

I also don't agree that critics shouldn't be gamers, anymore than movie critics shouldn't be movie lovers. It is important to have a passionate interest in the thing which one is a critic of. The problem, of course, is trying to separate one's irrational feelings of nostalgia and affection from one's professional obligations. Some can do this better than others.

As to fanboy rage, I think you'll find this is a problem with anything associated with geek culture, so to speak. Do you remember how vicious some of the comments on negative TDKR reviews were on Rotten Tomatoes? They actually had to close off the comments section, it got so bad. Negative reviews of The Avengers also got similarly nasty attention.

Jellitoe wrote:

I tried the Castlevania demo this weekend, and (based on that) I am glad I am skipping it. All scores are based on opinions. For them (IGN) that what the games deserves. I probably would have given it a similar score. But that doesn't mean someone else more fond of this type of game can't give it a 10, this is all opinion based and anyone who bases their purchases on it will miss some of the best games ever created like Wind Waker to mention one.

Some opinions are superior to other opinions. At least to the degree that they address legitimate issues.,The problem with the IGN reviewer isn't that he gave a bad review to a Castlevania game, it's that he refused to consider the game on its own merits and complained about ridiculous things. It's fine to talk about how it compares to other Castlevania games to a certain extent, but when that BECOMES the review the author loses his credibility as a reviewer. I can go on to any gaming forum in the world and listen to some Castlevania otaku complain about the litany of changes made in MoF. Reviews are supposed to be above that.

Edited on by Ralizah

Currently Playing: Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re- Boot Camp (NS)

Chrono_Cross

I highly doubt your reviews were unbiased. Which isn't intended as a slight toward you. Everyone is biased. The best critics recognize their biases and incorporate this into their assessment of something (for instance, Roger Ebert sometimes noting: "I didn't like this film, but if you are a fan of [x] genre, you will most likely be delighted by it")

Sure, in certain circumstances I'm biased (reviewing a select few games), but in no way is my opinion ever clouded by nostalgia.

I also don't agree that critics shouldn't be gamers, anymore than movie critics shouldn't be movie lovers. It is important to have a passionate interest in the thing which one is a critic of. The problem, of course, is trying to separate one's irrational feelings of nostalgia and affection from one's professional obligations. Some can do this better than others.

You contradicted yourself. I disagree though. In order to read a nonbiased, factual review (Mario NES plays from left to right is a fact), that can be comprehended by the user to decide a purchase of said game(s) would be fantastic. Rather than an exaggerated opinion that's downright biased i.e. NintendoLife, IGN, EGM, etcetera.

As to fanboy rage, I think you'll find this is a problem with anything associated with geek culture, so to speak. Do you remember how vicious some of the comments on negative TDKR reviews were on Rotten Tomatoes? They actually had to close off the comments section, it got so bad. Negative reviews of The Avengers also got similarly nasty attention.

Of course. In no way am I declaring the gaming community is the only community that acts this way. Technically this last part was unnecessary.

Just for you.
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear." - Freddie Mercury

xBASSxMONSTAx

The amount of games I played where the reviews were bad but I ended up liking it, the only opinion you can rely on is your own.

Castlevania mirror of fate for 3DS for instance. Ign rated that 4 out of 10. I played it and loved it. 8/10 I rated it.

IGN are rubbish at reviews anyway. Why I even bother to read them is beyond me,

Edited on by xBASSxMONSTAx

xBASSxMONSTAx

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