If you ran a gaming magazine or website, how would you review games? - Blu-ray Forum

Steelmaker · 11-14-2007, 01:43 PM

With all of the inconsistency in game reviews lately, this got me to thinking about how I would review games if it were me running the magazine or website. Here's a few criteria I came up with...

1.) Games need to be reviewed by someone who has a preference for that particular genre. To me, those reviewers are more qualified to give an opinion because chances are, they play more of that type of genre and are more accute to recognize and critique things that otherwise someone else might overlook. I wouldn't want a sports fan reviewing my RPG's for example.

2.) Games need to be reviewed for what they ARE and not for what they are not. If the game was designed from the very beginning to be a single player title, don't penalize it's score for not having multi-player! Likewise, don't penalize a multi-player game for not having single player. If the game was designed to simply be a platformer, don't penalize it for not being "innovative" enough. So what if it's yet another platformer! It could be another platformer that happens to be a great game! Review the game for what it IS. Not for what you think it could be or should be!

3.) Be platform agnostic! A good game is a good game is a good game! It shouldn't matter whether it's on console A, B, or C.

4.) Review games under the following categories...

Graphics (factor into this models, textures, lighting, shadows, and animation)

Controls (factor into this precision, layout, difficulty, and customization)

Sound (factor into this music, sound fx, voice acting, and surround sound
implementation)

Replayability (factor into this the incentives the game gives you to go back
play it over and over.)

Overall Fun Factor: (fun factor is the bottom line here and I think this score
should weigh more than any of the others. The reviewer
should ask him or herself, did I have fun playing this game?

heathward · 11-14-2007, 02:05 PM

i completely agree with you except for the fun factor rating. that is something of an opinion as opposed to seeing the great graphics and hearing the great soundtrack. it would narrow the gap if there was a specific reviewer for each genre, as you noted, but it still would be (and is) skewed. there is so much propoganda and payoffs involved with game, movie, and CD reviews these days. just like everything else though, i guess. it's the american way. everybody has a price. "make a contribution and you'll get that better seat." here is how i would review a game:

1) is there online multiplayer?
2) is it like Halo 3?
3) is it for the XBox? (if so, plus 10%)
4) is it for the PS3? (if so, minus 10%)
5) is it like Halo 3?
6) is it for the XBox?
7) is it like Halo 3?

just kidding! although, unfortunately that seems to be the criteria for some magazines/websites.

MotionBlurr · 11-14-2007, 02:55 PM

In the Graphics department I would include if a game runs at 30fps or 60fps. A lot of reviewers leave this out. This is very important to me. If the game is not 60fps (especially a racing game) I am may not buy it.

stockstar1138 · 11-14-2007, 03:02 PM

graphics: there would be a few things: different animationsfor the charachters. if a charachter jumps the same exact way every single time, it does not look realistic. detail of the environment: if i walk into a building the doorknob doesn't stick out of the door, it looks unrealistic, make things in depth. resolution: i don't think this is getting nearly enough attention. halo 3 is somewhere in the 600p range, same with COD 4, this is barely better than SD. framerate: it can't slow down and can't tear. fps and racing have to be 60 fps.

Blu Blur · 11-14-2007, 03:44 PM

There is no need for me to run a game mag as two mags already do what I would do 1. PSM (now re named to Playstation: The official Magazine) 2. Play Magazine ( Dave Halverson, is THE man)

secret · 11-14-2007, 03:48 PM

1) is there online multiplayer?
2) is it like Halo 3?
3) is it for the XBox? (if so, plus 10%)
4) is it for the PS3? (if so, minus 10%)
5) is it like Halo 3?
6) is it for the XBox?
7) is it like Halo 3?

just kidding! although, unfortunately that seems to be the criteria for some magazines/websites.[/QUOTE]

================================================== ======================
That was good, Heathward.....man, that was good...

Steelmaker · 11-14-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotionBlurr

In the Graphics department I would include if a game runs at 30fps or 60fps. A lot of reviewers leave this out. This is very important to me. If the game is not 60fps (especially a racing game) I am may not buy it.

I personally agree with with you on certain genres of games. For instance I think all sports and fighting games should run at 60fps hands down! IMO, all other genres can be either as long as the framerate is smooth and doesn't fluctuate. Racing games are a little tricky. While I definitely prefer 60fps, I can live with 30fps as long as it's buttery smooth and has a good sense of speed.

In terms of actually reviewing a game. I don't think I could dock points from one for simply being 30fps as long as it's smooth and doesn't have slowdown. The only exception to this would be if it's a multiplatform title and it achieves 60fps on one platform but only 30fps on another ala EA sports titles on PS3.

Imakida · 11-14-2007, 03:51 PM

I would add the fluidity of the progression in the gameplay:

Is the game too easy, too hard, repetitive, easy at start but hard to master, hard at start, but easier as the game is going.

warhawk21114 · 11-15-2007, 04:55 AM

Looking at a game I take note of several things- my main thing is game play, I mean do the buttons do what they are supposed to do in the correct amount of time, then there is the AI, do I have a bunch of ppl who walk into mg fire or take on a panzer with a colt 45. or do they take cover and the AI with the bazooka is the one firing. Graphics are another thing, I want them to look smooth, polished and convey the enviroment, such as I am fighting a tyranical futristic govt. I would expect something dark grey and authoritarian, not a smiley sunny playhouse. Framerate should not be choppy and should flow smoothly., then I follow on with the background story, It needs to be believable and well written as, it makes me feel for the chracter or group I control such as knwoing my purpose is to remove tiberium and the brotherhood of Nod to make the world a better place for humanity, this ties everything together and explains the game. multi player is key as well, what modes do they have and what is their stand out quality, that differentiates from a run of the mill game.
I baase my looks at certain genres, If its not a genere I am an expert in, I consult an expert in that genere and vice versa while still learning so I can be an expert and know what to expect in the future. Also when reviewing I put in only info I can back up as with the price of games, people need accurate information and not (insert multiple company's here) bashing no mater what platform or company did the game or what. mis-information gets you no where and can be a nasty thing to find out.

kotton247 · 11-15-2007, 05:07 AM

Basically, I would piss on every 360 game that came my way.

11-14-2007, 01:43 PM	#1
Steelmaker Blu-ray Duke Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Chattanooga, TN Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	If you ran a gaming magazine or website, how would you review games? With all of the inconsistency in game reviews lately, this got me to thinking about how I would review games if it were me running the magazine or website. Here's a few criteria I came up with... 1.) Games need to be reviewed by someone who has a preference for that particular genre. To me, those reviewers are more qualified to give an opinion because chances are, they play more of that type of genre and are more accute to recognize and critique things that otherwise someone else might overlook. I wouldn't want a sports fan reviewing my RPG's for example. 2.) Games need to be reviewed for what they ARE and not for what they are not. If the game was designed from the very beginning to be a single player title, don't penalize it's score for not having multi-player! Likewise, don't penalize a multi-player game for not having single player. If the game was designed to simply be a platformer, don't penalize it for not being "innovative" enough. So what if it's yet another platformer! It could be another platformer that happens to be a great game! Review the game for what it IS. Not for what you think it could be or should be! 3.) Be platform agnostic! A good game is a good game is a good game! It shouldn't matter whether it's on console A, B, or C. 4.) Review games under the following categories... Graphics (factor into this models, textures, lighting, shadows, and animation) Controls (factor into this precision, layout, difficulty, and customization) Sound (factor into this music, sound fx, voice acting, and surround sound implementation) Replayability (factor into this the incentives the game gives you to go back play it over and over.) Overall Fun Factor: (fun factor is the bottom line here and I think this score should weigh more than any of the others. The reviewer should ask him or herself, did I have fun playing this game?

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11-14-2007, 02:05 PM	#2
heathward Expert Member Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Milwaukee, WI, USA PSNetwork ID: heathward Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA Blu-ray collection:47	i completely agree with you except for the fun factor rating. that is something of an opinion as opposed to seeing the great graphics and hearing the great soundtrack. it would narrow the gap if there was a specific reviewer for each genre, as you noted, but it still would be (and is) skewed. there is so much propoganda and payoffs involved with game, movie, and CD reviews these days. just like everything else though, i guess. it's the american way. everybody has a price. "make a contribution and you'll get that better seat." here is how i would review a game: 1) is there online multiplayer? 2) is it like Halo 3? 3) is it for the XBox? (if so, plus 10%) 4) is it for the PS3? (if so, minus 10%) 5) is it like Halo 3? 6) is it for the XBox? 7) is it like Halo 3? just kidding! although, unfortunately that seems to be the criteria for some magazines/websites.

11-14-2007, 02:55 PM	#3
MotionBlurr Active Member Member since:Oct 2007	In the Graphics department I would include if a game runs at 30fps or 60fps. A lot of reviewers leave this out. This is very important to me. If the game is not 60fps (especially a racing game) I am may not buy it.

11-14-2007, 03:02 PM	#4
stockstar1138 Banned Member since:Apr 2007	graphics: there would be a few things: different animationsfor the charachters. if a charachter jumps the same exact way every single time, it does not look realistic. detail of the environment: if i walk into a building the doorknob doesn't stick out of the door, it looks unrealistic, make things in depth. resolution: i don't think this is getting nearly enough attention. halo 3 is somewhere in the 600p range, same with COD 4, this is barely better than SD. framerate: it can't slow down and can't tear. fps and racing have to be 60 fps.

11-14-2007, 03:44 PM	#5
Blu Blur Active Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:USA, greatest country on earth. PSN: TheBanditKing Blu-ray reviews:1	There is no need for me to run a game mag as two mags already do what I would do 1. PSM (now re named to Playstation: The official Magazine) 2. Play Magazine ( Dave Halverson, is THE man)

11-14-2007, 03:48 PM	#6
secret Banned Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray reviews: 1	1) is there online multiplayer? 2) is it like Halo 3? 3) is it for the XBox? (if so, plus 10%) 4) is it for the PS3? (if so, minus 10%) 5) is it like Halo 3? 6) is it for the XBox? 7) is it like Halo 3? just kidding! although, unfortunately that seems to be the criteria for some magazines/websites.[/QUOTE] ================================================== ====================== That was good, Heathward.....man, that was good...

11-14-2007, 03:51 PM	#8
Imakida Active Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Quebec, Canada	I would add the fluidity of the progression in the gameplay: Is the game too easy, too hard, repetitive, easy at start but hard to master, hard at start, but easier as the game is going.

11-15-2007, 04:55 AM	#9
warhawk21114 Active Member Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Maryland Blu-ray collection:4	Looking at a game I take note of several things- my main thing is game play, I mean do the buttons do what they are supposed to do in the correct amount of time, then there is the AI, do I have a bunch of ppl who walk into mg fire or take on a panzer with a colt 45. or do they take cover and the AI with the bazooka is the one firing. Graphics are another thing, I want them to look smooth, polished and convey the enviroment, such as I am fighting a tyranical futristic govt. I would expect something dark grey and authoritarian, not a smiley sunny playhouse. Framerate should not be choppy and should flow smoothly., then I follow on with the background story, It needs to be believable and well written as, it makes me feel for the chracter or group I control such as knwoing my purpose is to remove tiberium and the brotherhood of Nod to make the world a better place for humanity, this ties everything together and explains the game. multi player is key as well, what modes do they have and what is their stand out quality, that differentiates from a run of the mill game. I baase my looks at certain genres, If its not a genere I am an expert in, I consult an expert in that genere and vice versa while still learning so I can be an expert and know what to expect in the future. Also when reviewing I put in only info I can back up as with the price of games, people need accurate information and not (insert multiple company's here) bashing no mater what platform or company did the game or what. mis-information gets you no where and can be a nasty thing to find out.

11-15-2007, 05:07 AM	#10
kotton247 Special Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:NC Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:25	Basically, I would piss on every 360 game that came my way.

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