Give me a hand with reviews

Bells · 05-12-2009, 09:54 PM

Hey folks

I already posted a few simple reviews of some games i got for the Wii around here. I'm getting some new games soon and i would like to try some different stuff with it. I was wondering if you guys could give me a few pointers or critics on how to make it more enjoyable or if i shouldn't change at all...

I mean, what's a pleasant read for reviews? A Narrative? Technical Bullet Points? More sincere and direct? More humor? i really would like to try and play around with those things

When i'm doing a review of a game, i avoid talking about technical details (of which i really don't understand enough of to comment upon) and the story (Unless it hits extremes of good and bad). I just like to replicate in text what it is like to pick up the controller and play that game.

I also don't like scores. If i have to rate a game, i limit myself to "Buy, Rent, Skip" approaches and the occasional "Fans will like it/hate it" spin.

I REALLY want to do a video review of "Urban Extreme Street Rage" too, but i'm not too sure about that (for one, i can't really record footage from my TV right now due to my Room Setup, but i might try)

So, what am i doing right/wrong? I mean, i only post those here. So i guess you guys are my "target demographic"

...holy crap i have a target demographic!

Rokrin · 05-12-2009, 10:21 PM

I think I've missed some of your reviews but I really enjoy reading reviews so if you throw some links up that'd be great. I'd like to read them as normally I come to NPF when I need new games and people reviewing them just makes it easier to pick.

phil_ · 05-12-2009, 10:30 PM

If you want to do some video reviews, I'm always up for listening to your silly voice, judging from your Final Fantasy Unlimited videos. Give me a new "Let's fight for justice, pretty chicken."

Bells · 05-12-2009, 10:51 PM

Links? Here ya' go

Monster Hunter Tri ~ DEMO

We Rock! Drum King

Oboro Muramasa Youtoden

Suzumiya Haruhi No Gekidou

Moto Gp 08

Bleach: Versus Crusade

Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers

Tatsunoko Vs Capcom

Klonoa

I think that's all of them...

Coming up Next:

Disaster: Day of Crisis
Urban Extreme Street Rage
The Destiny of Zorro
Sport Island 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil_

If you want to do some video reviews, I'm always up for listening to your silly voice, judging from your Final Fantasy Unlimited videos. Give me a new "Let's fight for justice, pretty chicken."

The only reason why i want to make the video Review is because i want to use those voices for it since i couldn't carry on with the series!

Rokrin · 05-12-2009, 11:37 PM

Well I read about 5 of them (I wish I could say I read them all but I honestly don't have that kind of attention span), and so far I really enjoy them. I'm always a fan of the not-magazine-or-big-website reviewers because it gives me a more down-to-earth view of the game; a lot of places get copies of the game to review, whereas you have to invest some kind of financial currency into the game, so personal reviews tend to be more heartfelt.

So that being said I don't really have anything to complain about. if I had to throw something out there, I'd say the most recent review you linked (think it was the Moto GP 08 one) seemed...liney. The whole review flows nice but I think there's a lot of separation between some of the "paragraphs" where they could have flown just as good joined together. I have an affinity for walls of text though, so take that with a grain of salt.

In terms of actual content you cover everything you need to I think...I especially like the "First Impression", as it seems like a good idea for you to play the game for a few minutes and then have a section of what you think from the get-go. Sometimes that's not what you experience in the rest of the game, so it's a good way to show the contrast. I'd say maybe don't be afraid to expand your game titles (i.e. maybe it's just me but I don't mind free games, so reviewing those isn't a bad idea especially since it's something everyone can go ahead and play if your review seems good). Old games are also sometimes fun to review since you get to see how it stands up to the test of time.

TL;DR: I like your reviews and except for maybe expanding your platforms (obviously limited to whatever you have access to), there's nothing you really need to improve on from a content standpoint. More reviews please!

Bells · 05-13-2009, 01:23 PM

Thanks that's really great to hear!!

Actually, i don't buy these games. I started doing these reviews for fun when i helped a friend of mine with his business (He sells and imports games). I used to download the games i wanted to play, but now he actually hands me the discs and let me hang on to them for a while (In return i helped him set his shop and give him info on what games he should look for). We both like Fringe/Rare/stupid games, so it's a fun ride =P

05-12-2009, 09:54 PM	#1
Bells That's so PC of you Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: In a Server-sided Dimension where time is meaningless Posts: 10,490	Give me a hand with reviews Hey folks I already posted a few simple reviews of some games i got for the Wii around here. I'm getting some new games soon and i would like to try some different stuff with it. I was wondering if you guys could give me a few pointers or critics on how to make it more enjoyable or if i shouldn't change at all... I mean, what's a pleasant read for reviews? A Narrative? Technical Bullet Points? More sincere and direct? More humor? i really would like to try and play around with those things When i'm doing a review of a game, i avoid talking about technical details (of which i really don't understand enough of to comment upon) and the story (Unless it hits extremes of good and bad). I just like to replicate in text what it is like to pick up the controller and play that game. I also don't like scores. If i have to rate a game, i limit myself to "Buy, Rent, Skip" approaches and the occasional "Fans will like it/hate it" spin. I REALLY want to do a video review of "Urban Extreme Street Rage" too, but i'm not too sure about that (for one, i can't really record footage from my TV right now due to my Room Setup, but i might try) So, what am i doing right/wrong? I mean, i only post those here. So i guess you guys are my "target demographic" ...holy crap i have a target demographic! __________________ *BELLS STORE : Clothes! You wear* them! Free US Shipping Subscription System? WTF?! Zazzle Black!**

05-12-2009, 10:21 PM	#2
Rokrin Stupidity is an AoE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 749	I think I've missed some of your reviews but I really enjoy reading reviews so if you throw some links up that'd be great. I'd like to read them as normally I come to NPF when I need new games and people reviewing them just makes it easier to pick. __________________ Gamertag: T4CT

05-12-2009, 10:30 PM	#3
phil_ Just sleeping Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: At home, probably in bed. Posts: 6,482	If you want to do some video reviews, I'm always up for listening to your silly voice, judging from your Final Fantasy Unlimited videos. Give me a new "Let's fight for justice, pretty chicken." __________________ Be T-Rexcellent to each other, tako.

05-12-2009, 11:37 PM	#5
Rokrin Stupidity is an AoE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 749	Well I read about 5 of them (I wish I could say I read them all but I honestly don't have that kind of attention span), and so far I really enjoy them. I'm always a fan of the not-magazine-or-big-website reviewers because it gives me a more down-to-earth view of the game; a lot of places get copies of the game to review, whereas you have to invest some kind of financial currency into the game, so personal reviews tend to be more heartfelt. So that being said I don't really have anything to complain about. if I had to throw something out there, I'd say the most recent review you linked (think it was the Moto GP 08 one) seemed...liney. The whole review flows nice but I think there's a lot of separation between some of the "paragraphs" where they could have flown just as good joined together. I have an affinity for walls of text though, so take that with a grain of salt. In terms of actual content you cover everything you need to I think...I especially like the "First Impression", as it seems like a good idea for you to play the game for a few minutes and then have a section of what you think from the get-go. Sometimes that's not what you experience in the rest of the game, so it's a good way to show the contrast. I'd say maybe don't be afraid to expand your game titles (i.e. maybe it's just me but I don't mind free games, so reviewing those isn't a bad idea especially since it's something everyone can go ahead and play if your review seems good). Old games are also sometimes fun to review since you get to see how it stands up to the test of time. TL;DR: I like your reviews and except for maybe expanding your platforms (obviously limited to whatever you have access to), there's nothing you really need to improve on from a content standpoint. More reviews please! __________________ Gamertag: T4CT

05-13-2009, 01:23 PM	#6
Bells That's so PC of you Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: In a Server-sided Dimension where time is meaningless Posts: 10,490	Thanks that's really great to hear!! Actually, i don't buy these games. I started doing these reviews for fun when i helped a friend of mine with his business (He sells and imports games). I used to download the games i wanted to play, but now he actually hands me the discs and let me hang on to them for a while (In return i helped him set his shop and give him info on what games he should look for). We both like Fringe/Rare/stupid games, so it's a fun ride =P __________________ *BELLS STORE : Clothes! You wear* them! Free US Shipping Subscription System? WTF?! Zazzle Black!**