This topic is one that has been on my mind since I joined this site. Far be it for me to imply that I know better than others, however, there seems to be a growing trend in written blogs that I feel the need to comment on. This blog may employ sarcasm and tongue-and-cheek commentary, so those easily offended should move along.
How Much Should You Write?
I won't name names, but there are at least a third of the people I know on this site who write reviews that would make Leo Tolstoy blush. I mean, really, when you've hit the character limit for the site, maybe you should stop. Wait, no, maybe you should review what you're writing.
There's a saying, sort of, 'Quality vs. Quantity' and I think quite a few of you have gotten off the beaten path. I am ecstatic that you loved the game/hated the game and want to expound on it, but is a review really the place to do it? I am a firm believer that you can say all you need to in less than 1000 words about a game.
In all seriousness, a great review is one that can capture the essence of the game and do so in a way that isn't imposing the reviewer's will upon the audience. Too many times I see people hiding behind a massive review, but what did they really say? And let's be honest, how many of us even bother reading reviews that long? I know I don't.
What Should You Include in a Review?
It seems like most people include everything they can think of while writing a review, but I would caution against this overzealous action. While I'm fascinated by all of the glorious details of your success in a game, I don't need to read about it in a review. I'm excited you're excited, but does that need to be in a review?
To me, a review should include the basics of what the story of the game was and how the different elements of the game made it good or bad. What I see a lot of, and find obnoxious, is when people break the reviews up. Here are my thoughts on the graphics, here are my thoughts on sound, here are my thoughts on whatever. People, if you've ever taken any writing classes, you can write a review as an essay – it doesn't need to be broken up, much like this ranting, rambling blog is.
In addition to that, people then feel the need to do a summation of the broken up groups, is that necessary? I mean, do one or the other, but are both going to make the long-winded review anymore bearable?
If you want to highlight different aspects of a game, how about breaking it up by paragraphs. One paragraph can be about sound, once can be about graphics, one can be about story, the point being, you can find a way to make your point without making the review look absurd.
See Any Reviews You Like?
While there is often a battle royal debate about the scores Gamespot has been giving, let's face it, they have really good writers on staff. What I often find in a video or review is the brevity with which a point can be made. In a few short sentences, a good reviewer can capture the entirety of a game, in his or her own words.
Reviews aren't written to showcase your fascination with your writing, reviews are supposed to be subjective views of a product you've purchased and your experience with it. Too many times I see people getting caught up in their prose. That is appropriate for a blog, not a review.
If you have a lot to say about a game, good or bad, put it on your blog, place it in the forums as a discussion, but don't post a 10,000 word review and expect people to read it and be astounded by your intellect. I'm going to say it again because I think it bears repeating: a review is your assessment of a product, not your chance to wow the masses with how many words you can write about a product.
Angry Much?
I know, this should be grouped under 'rant' for the amount of bile I have going, but enough is enough. Can we all agree that maybe the reason Gamespot doesn't feature some contributions is because maybe they aren't good enough? I'm no expert, as I'm reminded daily, but I know that I gravitate towards things and people that I can identify with or find value from, hence the people I follow and have open discussions with will probably read this for what it is and not over-analyse it.
Reviews are tough; there is no doubt about it. But the growing trend seems to be to write more instead of less. I remember reading something about writing a long time ago, and I won't bother poorly paraphrasing it, but the gist of it was, you should say more, with less and will achieve more.
@fend_oblivion - glad you liked it and you're right, maybe that should have been part of my point, writing reviews may not be for everyone ;) I haven't come across a review like that in a long time - most of my friends here are pretty serious about it, sort of :P
@fend_oblivion - glad you liked it and you're right, maybe that should have been part of my point, writing reviews may not be for everyone ;) I haven't come across a review like that in a long time - most of my friends here are pretty serious about it, sort of :P
@pokecharm : Great blog :) Writing a review is no easy task. Games like Skyrim are huge in terms of what the player can do so writing a review for such games is very, very difficult. There also a ton of horrible games out there. Alex Navarro said it best - "We play crap like this so you don't have to." He went on to say that we are not to buy such games, even for fun, because those developers do not deserve the money one bit. One thing I do not agree with are those sarcastic reviews that rate a game a 10 even though they deserve a big, fat zero (or 1 in the GS scale). Sure, sarcastic reviews are fun to read but the score shouldn't be sarcastic too. Crap like Big Rigs sold around 200,000 copies when games by Tim Schafer and group struggle to break even. One can't tell when a negligent gamer buys rubbish just because he skimmed user reviews that scored perfect 10s.
@pokecharm : Great blog :) Writing a review is no easy task. Games like Skyrim are huge in terms of what the player can do so writing a review for such games is very, very difficult. There also a ton of horrible games out there. Alex Navarro said it best - "We play crap like this so you don't have to." He went on to say that we are not to buy such games, even for fun, because those developers do not deserve the money one bit. One thing I do not agree with are those sarcastic reviews that rate a game a 10 even though they deserve a big, fat zero (or 1 in the GS scale). Sure, sarcastic reviews are fun to read but the score shouldn't be sarcastic too. Crap like Big Rigs sold around 200,000 copies when games by Tim Schafer and group struggle to break even. One can't tell when a negligent gamer buys rubbish just because he skimmed user reviews that scored perfect 10s.
@DR-ZMBK - I thought I boiled it down nicely, but I'm still not sure about the reception ;) @Asagea_888 - I can't even remember the last review you did, to be honest, but that doesn't mean I didn't read it. Yes, everyone has their own style, but I still maintain that a review does not need to include every last thing that you can think of. It should be a summation. Whether you love to write (love to read your own writing :P) or not, the review is about the game, not you ;)
@DR-ZMBK - I thought I boiled it down nicely, but I'm still not sure about the reception ;) @Asagea_888 - I can't even remember the last review you did, to be honest, but that doesn't mean I didn't read it. Yes, everyone has their own style, but I still maintain that a review does not need to include every last thing that you can think of. It should be a summation. Whether you love to write (love to read your own writing :P) or not, the review is about the game, not you ;)
I hope you're not referring to me as a culprit :lol: Still, you do bring up some good points. With me, my personal love for writing is clearly evident in each and every one of my game reviews and blogs. I'm not trying to be an intellectual show-off though. I'm really not as smart as you probably think me to be. I have a learning disability which cripples my ability to effectively process math and science and anything that has to do with numbers, but in a sense, it has strengthened my writing and reading enormously. That's my inherent nature---I love writing and reading, and I spent many long years of my life doing so. Everybody has their own writing style, and nobody is perfect. No one is better than the other. No one is superior than the other. We're all different, and we convey our opinions differently. And the purpose for me writing anything at all is to make you laugh, make you think and help you make decisions on games.
I hope you're not referring to me as a culprit :lol: Still, you do bring up some good points. With me, my personal love for writing is clearly evident in each and every one of my game reviews and blogs. I'm not trying to be an intellectual show-off though. I'm really not as smart as you probably think me to be. I have a learning disability which cripples my ability to effectively process math and science and anything that has to do with numbers, but in a sense, it has strengthened my writing and reading enormously. That's my inherent nature---I love writing and reading, and I spent many long years of my life doing so. Everybody has their own writing style, and nobody is perfect. No one is better than the other. No one is superior than the other. We're all different, and we convey our opinions differently. And the purpose for me writing anything at all is to make you laugh, make you think and help you make decisions on games.
There is a huge misunderstanding about how reviews should be written, what should be included and what should not. I think you explained it here very well, wish people would listen though.
There is a huge misunderstanding about how reviews should be written, what should be included and what should not. I think you explained it here very well, wish people would listen though.
@s_h_a_d_o - I almost want to ask, but since I'm getting the game tomorrow - I'm happy not knowing. You've a fair point, I guess since I get to games so late, it doesn't really worry me - I'm usually already spoiled on a game ;)
@s_h_a_d_o - I almost want to ask, but since I'm getting the game tomorrow - I'm happy not knowing. You've a fair point, I guess since I get to games so late, it doesn't really worry me - I'm usually already spoiled on a game ;)
I'm willing to forgive spoilers within a video, because if you're watching footage from the game, then it's more or less inevitable that one will encounter them. However I cannot countenance the inclusion of spoiler information in a written review (i.e. content not warned against or explicitly obscured), and would expect better from a 'professional' reviewer - I'd hasten to add that although I singled out @Maxwell in the previous comment, his is only the most recent in a number of similar transgressions from GS staff (not to mention other reviewers and sites).
I'm willing to forgive spoilers within a video, because if you're watching footage from the game, then it's more or less inevitable that one will encounter them. However I cannot countenance the inclusion of spoiler information in a written review (i.e. content not warned against or explicitly obscured), and would expect better from a 'professional' reviewer - I'd hasten to add that although I singled out @Maxwell in the previous comment, his is only the most recent in a number of similar transgressions from GS staff (not to mention other reviewers and sites).
@mprezzy - that isn't something I would have even considered - I only pay attention to the Gamespot reviews within the first few days. I think the main point of this blog was the overly wordy reviews that don't say anything interesting about the game, just drone on and on about nothing.
@mprezzy - that isn't something I would have even considered - I only pay attention to the Gamespot reviews within the first few days. I think the main point of this blog was the overly wordy reviews that don't say anything interesting about the game, just drone on and on about nothing.
I long ago quit writing reviews because it felt like an exercise in redundancy, given how many were already up by the time I was ready to write mine. In regards to the points you make, I'd quibble and say it's difficult to quantify what makes a "good review," as everyone is not always looking for the exact same thing in a review. That said, the primary beef I have with reviews are those that are done within a day of the game's release. Sometimes it's best to let the emotions settle and reflect instead of getting to the credits and heading to the computer (or, not even finishing the game at all/getting 1/3 of the way through).
I long ago quit writing reviews because it felt like an exercise in redundancy, given how many were already up by the time I was ready to write mine. In regards to the points you make, I'd quibble and say it's difficult to quantify what makes a "good review," as everyone is not always looking for the exact same thing in a review. That said, the primary beef I have with reviews are those that are done within a day of the game's release. Sometimes it's best to let the emotions settle and reflect instead of getting to the credits and heading to the computer (or, not even finishing the game at all/getting 1/3 of the way through).
@BravoOneActual - well said :P I must make a point of checking that perfect review out :)
I've only written one review and it was perfect, so I didn't even consider another one because after that, the only place to go was down. I appreciate your short n' sweet sensibility and applaud those who keep it in mind as they endeavor for allegorical second place.
I've only written one review and it was perfect, so I didn't even consider another one because after that, the only place to go was down. I appreciate your short n' sweet sensibility and applaud those who keep it in mind as they endeavor for allegorical second place.
@s_h_a_d_o - you know, I watched that review and honestly am not sure if I realised there was a spoiler or not...for some reason spoilers don't make me go as loopy as the overlong reviews...I just can't bother to read that much text and still pretend to be interested.
@s_h_a_d_o - you know, I watched that review and honestly am not sure if I realised there was a spoiler or not...for some reason spoilers don't make me go as loopy as the overlong reviews...I just can't bother to read that much text and still pretend to be interested.
Also, for the love of god, don't include story details and spoilers in a review unless they're well marked and/or hidden! I'm looking at you, and your recent review for Silent Hill: Downpour, @Maxwell. :|
Also, for the love of god, don't include story details and spoilers in a review unless they're well marked and/or hidden! I'm looking at you, and your recent review for Silent Hill: Downpour, @Maxwell. :|
@Azghouls - you know, I know I should be more concerned with spoilers, but for some reason I'm not...interesting list! @NightFox313 - thanks :) @Kid_Black_Star - you really liked it that much? I didn't short-sell it, then, did I? It is tough to be funny in writing, sometimes.
@Azghouls - you know, I know I should be more concerned with spoilers, but for some reason I'm not...interesting list! @NightFox313 - thanks :) @Kid_Black_Star - you really liked it that much? I didn't short-sell it, then, did I? It is tough to be funny in writing, sometimes.
Humor,Grammar,Length & catching the readers attention. FYI saw Silent House, It was AWESOME!
Humor,Grammar,Length & catching the readers attention. FYI saw Silent House, It was AWESOME!
I'm not too fussed about the amount of words - my issues are: * Spoilers; * Problems that only applies to you (the reviewer that is); * Don't sell the game - review the game (I'm guilty of that); * When reviewers write about graphics first - this tells me that's their primary focus - a total turn off for me.
I'm not too fussed about the amount of words - my issues are: * Spoilers; * Problems that only applies to you (the reviewer that is); * Don't sell the game - review the game (I'm guilty of that); * When reviewers write about graphics first - this tells me that's their primary focus - a total turn off for me.
''but I clearly see you typing letters right here in front of everyone to see, so why does it seem that you cannot form an actual sentence elsewhere?'' Pardon if I'm misunderstanding, but what makes you think I can't write well outside of here? I may have wanted to make my original comment more clear, ''to writing reviews''. Besides, when I speak, I do not have to worry about where to put my commas, were to put semicolons, misspelled words, etc. Speaking and wirting are different beasts, however similar they may be. Oh, @Doomguard3.
''but I clearly see you typing letters right here in front of everyone to see, so why does it seem that you cannot form an actual sentence elsewhere?'' Pardon if I'm misunderstanding, but what makes you think I can't write well outside of here? I may have wanted to make my original comment more clear, ''to writing reviews''. Besides, when I speak, I do not have to worry about where to put my commas, were to put semicolons, misspelled words, etc. Speaking and wirting are different beasts, however similar they may be. Oh, @Doomguard3.
@ShadowofSonic The difference is minimal, almost non existent in this case, you simply write down what you are thinking about saying, in those very same exact words. I'm aware you tried to make them seem like two very different talents, but they are really not, nobody is asking you to be grammatically correct or use long, big words. Just this very last message you wrote shows that you can actually write a full sentence that has more substance than "have fun" or " good luck with that". No matter how I look at your argument, it's simply invalid, you're telling us that you can talk but cannot write, but I clearly see you typing letters right here in front of everyone to see, so why does it seem that you cannot form an actual sentence elsewhere?
@ShadowofSonic The difference is minimal, almost non existent in this case, you simply write down what you are thinking about saying, in those very same exact words. I'm aware you tried to make them seem like two very different talents, but they are really not, nobody is asking you to be grammatically correct or use long, big words. Just this very last message you wrote shows that you can actually write a full sentence that has more substance than "have fun" or " good luck with that". No matter how I look at your argument, it's simply invalid, you're telling us that you can talk but cannot write, but I clearly see you typing letters right here in front of everyone to see, so why does it seem that you cannot form an actual sentence elsewhere?
@Doomguard3 It's clear you don't know the difference between writing and speaking. Interesting. ;)
@Doomguard3 It's clear you don't know the difference between writing and speaking. Interesting. ;)
@Doomguard3 - I have a cousin who is a lot like you, she just does not read. The irony there being she's a 4th-grade teacher, and tells her students to read, even if she doesn't. For me, I read a lot and write a lot, and I think it shows. It is a work in progress for you, but to improve writing, I think reading is really the 'easiest' option to be exposed to words and phrases and syntax you might never consider. Even the terrible Twilight series has some redeeming value. A book being long shouldn't deter you from reading it!
@Doomguard3 - I have a cousin who is a lot like you, she just does not read. The irony there being she's a 4th-grade teacher, and tells her students to read, even if she doesn't. For me, I read a lot and write a lot, and I think it shows. It is a work in progress for you, but to improve writing, I think reading is really the 'easiest' option to be exposed to words and phrases and syntax you might never consider. Even the terrible Twilight series has some redeeming value. A book being long shouldn't deter you from reading it!
Oh yeah I almost forgot to mention, reading for school primarily didn't or doesn't help me in this department simply because everything we had to read is in my native language, not English. My only option was to go out and read English novels of my own accord, but the school certainly didn't make me wanna love books at that time. Having an A in English also doesn't help because the textbooks were all pretty basic stuff.
Oh yeah I almost forgot to mention, reading for school primarily didn't or doesn't help me in this department simply because everything we had to read is in my native language, not English. My only option was to go out and read English novels of my own accord, but the school certainly didn't make me wanna love books at that time. Having an A in English also doesn't help because the textbooks were all pretty basic stuff.
Don't worry about offending me, I can take it all, anyway, I'm 24 and I pretty much never read a book (I read Baldurs Gate once, simply because I didn't have anything else at that time and it wasnt really a long book), I always skipped reading at school, just as you said most of those books were completely boring and uninteresting, I would always just somehow barely get away by reading a quick summary of a book or novel. Harry Potter or LotR never interested me, particularly since they were massive books, that was usually the biggest turn off, though I have recently decided to face my fears and get a copy of Game of Thrones, and I'm still struggling with it.
Don't worry about offending me, I can take it all, anyway, I'm 24 and I pretty much never read a book (I read Baldurs Gate once, simply because I didn't have anything else at that time and it wasnt really a long book), I always skipped reading at school, just as you said most of those books were completely boring and uninteresting, I would always just somehow barely get away by reading a quick summary of a book or novel. Harry Potter or LotR never interested me, particularly since they were massive books, that was usually the biggest turn off, though I have recently decided to face my fears and get a copy of Game of Thrones, and I'm still struggling with it.
