An Explained Logical Suggestion for Reviewing & Scoring Games

nate1980

Reviewing

WHEN to do a review is a good topic of discussion, and I think this website should adopt some rules on this. Generally, I'd like to see a game have a Preview, First Impression, and Review. This is important, because a MMORPG offers plenty of benefits for getting into the game at release. So timing is paramount.

The PREVIEW should be an overview of the game based on initial playtesting that the previewer has done, combined with evaluating how the game looks on paper. This gives a professional opinion on what players might expect for the future release and can serve as a source of advice for those not entirely sure if the game is worth their money.

The FIRST IMPRESSION is almost a pure opinion piece. This piece is full of emotion, feelings, and subjectivity, but gives an idea on what the player will feel when they spend the first week in the game. Many people can relate to this and if the writer has a similar playstyle and game experience, it lends even more weight.

The REVIEW is a purely scientific critique of the game, and should only be done after the reviewer has played the majority of the game. Meaning they've tried all aspects that the game offers, such as solo leveling, group leveling, PvP, crafting, and endgame content. There should be little to know feelings or emotions in this piece, and should be approached objectively. This will let readers know the pros and cons of the game and will give them much needed information to help them decide on their own if the game is worth the purchase.

 

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Scoring

It'd make sense that 10 represents perfection, but let's temper this with reality. Nothing is perfect, so perfection shouldn't be the standard of measurement. Instead, what's offered should be measured against the ideal, and against other games in the same genre.

So a 10 would represent top of the line graphics, stellar gameplay, feature rich, great customer support, no stability problems with recommended specs, bug-free, and great replayability. A 1 would obviously be the complete opposite of that. A 5 would be right in the middle, or average. It's not the only way to rate a game, but it makes sense to me. It sounds logical.

While innovation would be nice, it's not needed to create a great game, so I don't count innovation, evolution, or revolution of the genre as a requirement to get a great score. It certainly helps, but does not hinder at all.

Also, whether a game is sandbox or themepark doesn't weigh in either, because that's just a preference, which is highly subjective. The same goes for fun.

Graphics are either techinically good or not good. A low graphical game can still look good artistically, but it wouldn't compare to a game that looked as real as technology allows.

Gameplay can be measured by how responsive your character is in combat, and how smooth the game flows from one task to the next, one area to the next and so on. It also represents how well things are put together, and if it is logical. Complicated things seem like a no brainer when it flows and is put together well.

Feature rich means there's a lot of features. Features can be anything that enhances gameplay, such as a great and customizable UI, housing, and even an auction house. Features can be as many or as few as a developer likes, but it's a tangible that adds value to a game if they work and doesn't inhibit gameplay. For example, a death penalty is a feature, but it's a feature that can be done right or wrong. You know if it's right or wrong by if it feels natural to the game.

Great customer support is easily measured. A website that offers everything a person could possibly need? Good communication between the company and players? Technical support? In-game support? Preventive and Counter measures to cheating, botting, and illegal RMT? Speed and efficiency of service both in and out of the game?

Stability problems. Server related lag? Works well on recommended specs at the intended graphic settings? CTD's?

Bugs. No noticable bugs in sight?

Replayability? Can I play the game from 1-max level without repeating content more than once? Twice? How many times? With how many classes and races? Combinations?

 

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I hope this has given the staff something to think about. I think it'd be a great idea to adopt a standardized way to review and score games. It'd give readers and staff alike something to fall back on when an issue is in question, and would help to preserve the integrity of these reviews and scores, and protect the reputation of this website. I'll include a poll to see how much interest this idea will gather.