User Review Thread - Let's nail the details.

[Ghost-Rhayne]

Hey guys, time to get my A into G and get this thing up and running. The last major thing to do is to figure out some of the standards for the reviews. I don't mean anything strict, but general guidelines of how you want the reviews done (this also gives the whole thing some consistency which is much nicer than having it all random and chaotic). What aspects should be covered, or should we not set in stone what areas to cover etc etc. These will be reviews written by you, read by you so there's little point in one person sorting this out. Make suggestions, if you read and agree with someones suggestion, like their post so I can see which ideas are most popular.

From the last thread, the general consensus was that we shouldn't have a number rating, but rather buy it, rent it, leave it type system.

Post your thoughts and ideas...

Thanks!

[F34R]

The review should include:

• General description of the game, with a summary of history involved in the IP and devs.
• Details about the game; basically a paragraph or two summarizing the game from start to finish.
• Describe the visual aspect of the game.
• Go into a little detail of the game sounds and music score or options that are included.
• Include the control mechanics and explain how they affect the game play
• end the review with an inclusion the good and bad; laid out in a "story format", and not just a +/- list.

As far as the number rating, or rent/buy, etc., I would suggest that the reviewer put THEIR choice into it, and explain why. It doesn't have to go into great detail, and shouldn't really.

Screen caps and videos are allowed, but not required.

[dc89]

I like the idea of +/-

Maybe 3 or 4 of each, or less if need be. As some games may not have 3 or 4 positive or negative points.

[Fijiandoce]

Clean and Concise


Introduction
Story
Performance/visuals
Gameplay
Conclusion



Medal award system.
Gold:
for outstanding titles

Silver:
for titles lacking some polish

Bronze:
enjoyable on some level

Wood:
avoid like the plague


DS could get in on this and provide some awesome renders to accompany the medals; for inclusion in user reviews.

i second F34R's notion of screen caps and videos, and they should be highly recommended


EDIT:
For the REALLY DEDICATED reviewers
as F34R and dc said: a +/- list
however, this list should be provided for each segment of the review. that way, those who like the 'story' get points about the story. a list for visual etc.
but like i say, this would only fly with the most dedicated reviewer

[F34R]

I'm willing to put some time in for reviewers that want some screen grabs and videos for their reviews. Just PM me the details on which game you want, how long you want the video, and what specifics; areas, etc. I can do it for the PS3, 360, PSP, Vita, 3ds, and least my not last (), the PC.

[Lethal_NFS]

Are all the reviews going to be in a single thread?


In my reviews, I make sure I talk about the basics. Giving each category a grade from 1-10

Story
Gameplay
Sound
Graphics
Controls
Multiplayer
Overall

I like to end with a Pros and Cons of said game. And pictures are a must.

[Ghost-Rhayne]

Are all the reviews going to be in a single thread?

No, the idea is to have a section for them, with a single sticky thread which will act as 'table of contents' of sorts where all reviews can be sorted by platform etc. People will make their review in its own thread so that people can also discus that review in particular. This thread is just to get the communities input on the format.

[Wrath]

Are all the reviews going to be in a single thread?

We need Lethal's stamp of approval!

[Lethal_NFS]

No, the idea is to have a section for them, with a single sticky thread which will act as 'table of contents' of sorts where all reviews can be sorted by platform etc. People will make their review in its own thread so that people can also discus that review in particular. This thread is just to get the communities input on the format.

Ok, good. One thread would have sucked. I think the review section should be open to review anything. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo.

[Yuuichi]

Are all the reviews going to be in a single thread?


In my reviews, I make sure I talk about the basics. Giving each category a grade from 1-10

Story
Gameplay
Sound
Graphics
Controls
Multiplayer
Overall

I like to end with a Pros and Cons of said game. And pictures are a must.

I think this is a good system.

The review should include:

• General description of the game, with a summary of history involved in the IP and devs.
• Details about the game; basically a paragraph or two summarizing the game from start to finish.
• Describe the visual aspect of the game.
• Go into a little detail of the game sounds and music score or options that are included.
• Include the control mechanics and explain how they affect the game play
• end the review with an inclusion the good and bad; laid out in a "story format", and not just a +/- list.

As far as the number rating, or rent/buy, etc., I would suggest that the reviewer put THEIR choice into it, and explain why. It doesn't have to go into great detail, and shouldn't really.

Screen caps and videos are allowed, but not required.

I like you idea to, however the history of the devs is the one thing i don't think is needed. The ip def.

[Wrath]

One important thing is to NOT sticky these threads because that will result in much less activity, trust me.

Most people overlook the sticky section.

[Ghost-Rhayne]

One important thing is to NOT sticky these threads because that will result in much less activity, trust me.

Most people overlook the sticky section.

Only 1 thread would be stickied, the contents thread where all reviews would be neatly listed.

[DeviousOne]

If its mutli platform should we have a one stick thread that's Locked so we can post links to user reviews?

[Wrath]

Only 1 thread would be stickied, the contents thread where all reviews would be neatly listed.

Sounds like a plan.

[Equinoqs]

How about we just tell what we liked/disliked about the game? That seems like enough to start with, and since they're going to be separate entries under the umbrella of User Reviews, if someone has a specific question or needs more info, they can ask. Mostly I'm just too lazy to follow guidelines.

Also, this is replacing the user review thread we already have, I'm assuming?

[Lethal_NFS]

Also, this is replacing the user review thread we already have, I'm assuming?

What user review section?

[Ixion]

Story
Gameplay
Sound
Graphics
Controls
Multiplayer
Overall

If we were to go by this, we should change 'Story' to 'Presentation'. A lot of video games don't have a story, nor is one necessary to be a great video game.

Also, not every game has multiplayer either. Perhaps we should have a 'Lasting Appeal' category and multiplayer would be included in there.

What user review section?

I think he's referring to the 'Rate The Last Game You've Played' thread?

[F34R]

I think this is a good system.



I like you idea to, however the history of the devs is the one thing i don't think is needed. The ip def.

Well, the history in relation to the IP, or something recently done just to use as a reference. Like mentioning "Naughty Dog brings us another chapter into the saga that Nathan Drake.... They've showed us how much progress can be built into the series coming from the original title, through the second and third chapters of Nathans life; all raising the bar in quality. How have they kept the bar from being stuck? Here we go!".

Something like that. Definitely not wiki'posting the history of the dev lol.

[Sir_Scud]

I like Lethal and Fear's setup, but maybe not even have a hard rating system? What you or me thinks is a Buy it or Rent it title is just as subjective as a "good game" getting an 7/10 vs a "bad game" getting an 9/10. Chances are, somebody is not going to go through the trouble of a Fear type review if they think others shouldn't even rent it. I'd say leave it more open ended, then let people discuss the thoughts of the overall review and nothing more.

Just my 2 cents.

[Soldier 95B]

What if we already do reviews for another website? Would they not be permitted here if they don't follow the guidelines?

[Ghost-Rhayne]

Well, I don't want these standards to be a burden to peoples writing style and how they choose to express themselves. The URS is about expressing our common love of games in a new way (instead of just posting and discussing them). It's just my O.C.D nature that wants at least some degree of consistency so that the section flows and is tidy and coherent.

[Cybertox]

I dont like the idea of not being able to rate the game in your personal review.

[DeviousOne]

Maybe just give "advice" in the guidelines but allow the members to rate it their own way.....until further notice lmao

[F34R]

Well, I don't want these standards to be a burden to peoples writing style and how they choose to express themselves. The URS is about expressing our common love of games in a new way (instead of just posting and discussing them). It's just my O.C.D nature that wants at least some degree of consistency so that the section flows and is tidy and coherent.

I honestly don't think "standards" should be too deep. The "rules" should be that the review contain certain aspects, like the list I made above. That would keep the consistency to a minimum.

I dont like the idea of not being able to rate the game in your personal review.

I think you should be able to as long as the review contains the info to support those scores.

[Soldier 95B]

Well, I don't want these standards to be a burden to peoples writing style and how they choose to express themselves. The URS is about expressing our common love of games in a new way (instead of just posting and discussing them). It's just my O.C.D nature that wants at least some degree of consistency so that the section flows and is tidy and coherent.

Consistency gives me a hard on, literally. I need/desire to see that too.