Castle Paradox

Uncommon · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 3:27 pm Post subject: HOW TO DEFINE A GOOD REVIEW

A good review is not one that satisfies or shames its author, but one that inspires the author, through satisfaction, shame, or otherwise, to do a better job.

Also, it is not the sole responsibility of the reviewer to inspire the author, but also the author's responsibility to become inspired. The reviewer's job is to explain what worked, what didn't, and why. Suggestions of how to fix problems are beyond the scope of the review and borders into the author's job.

Discuss.

MultiColoredWizard · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 3:49 pm Post subject:

U R A HILY OPININATED BASTERD

Uncommon · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 3:57 pm Post subject:

Yes, except that I have a father, thank you very much.
Now, dearie, discuss the the statements, not me.

RedMaverickZero · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 6:48 pm Post subject:

Hmmmm... I've done like 35 reviews or so and to be honest, I stopped for a while. Not because I didn't want to, but because of the fact that lots of the games posted on CP lately have shown very little effort at all. And for that I consider it a tad repititive in my reviews to say,"Graphics need more effort". It's like I am repeating myself. But I write reviews to inform and inspire the author mostly.
_________________
---------------Projects----
Mr.Triangle's Maze: 70%
Takoyaki Surprise: 70%

Shadowiii · **It's been real.** Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 2460

Setu_Firestorm · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 10:28 am Post subject:

I really don't see how this thread is anything different from hundreds of other threads on this same topic. But anyway, on the discussion, I always figured that the purpose of a review was to analyze the game, point out its strengths and weaknesses, and make suggestions on how to make the game better and more well defined.

Personally, I don't review anymore since the little conflict over Mr. Triangle 5, and also the fact that I don't have time to really play through an entire OHR game anymore.
_________________

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/georgerpowell
Newgrounds: http://setu-firestorm.newgrounds.com

Uncommon · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 10:50 am Post subject:

Shadow, a reviewer and a playtester are two COMPLETELY different things.

~ Playtesters usually deal with pre-releases and are appointed by the author.
~ Reviewers deal with post-releases and are whoever wants to say something.

Of course, suggestions are optional, but I'm just saying that they aren't required and shouldn't be expected.

RedMaverickZero · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 11:27 am Post subject:

I've only playtested a few games, and I must say, that the message the player gives the author is much different depending on which end you're coming from. Playtesters, give hints and suggestions. Reviewers try and do the same, but in the same, telling the author about every flaw and every good part of it. In ways they are the same, but like Uncommon said, they are different. Because of the aspect that one is asked to do, and the other is merely chosen to do.
_________________
---------------Projects----
Mr.Triangle's Maze: 70%
Takoyaki Surprise: 70%

Sephyroth · Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 10:54 am Post subject:

It tends to be a good thing when reviews inspire readers of the review as well.

junahu · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 4:58 am Post subject:

reviews draw the attentions of potential game players towards the game they are reviewing. So even a terrible game with a lousy review will get more downloads than a game without a review at all (barring,of course, word of mouth).

People need to be more positive. These games are free! Big grin

_________________

Uncommon · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 6:03 pm Post subject:

No excuse.

Also, yes, reviews are for the audiences sake, usually, but in a community like this, we have other responsibilities.

Shadowiii · **It's been real.** Joined: 14 Feb 2003 Posts: 2460

I'm pretty sure my review is for the author, as I am pretty darn certain no audience member reads through a 4000 word review.
_________________
But enough talk, have at you!

RedMaverickZero · Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 9:27 pm Post subject:

junahu · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 4:51 am Post subject: