Best things to include in a computer game review (How To Write A Good Games Review)

Member Name: jennikitten

Product:	How To Write A Good Games Review
Date:	07/07/09 (38 review reads)
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I'm sure you're like me and there are some categories which you have more of an interest in than others, and know more about. I have to say I generally tend to rate lower in these categories, because I feel a good amount of information and detail is needed. This is especially true in the games category, because games are much more complex than even the traditionally long book and film reviews. There are plenty of games that have had sequels and prequels across twenty years or more, and in addition to that there are a million and one things to factor in as well, such as age, type of game, playability, controls, story, multiplayer options and internet features.

All too often on dooyoo I come across reviews of games that don't even vaguely mention what the game is about, and if it wasn't for the category title I would be no better off knowing what it was. So here I'm going to discuss ways to write a good games review and things to include, because I hate giving low ratings, but a lot of game reviews just aren't useful.

1. Find a style for your writing

Games are one of those things that are hard to write about, and you need quite a select style for. Writing in the style games magazines are written in can be good in terms of quality, but there is a big risk you will alienate members of your audience who aren't aware of technicalities, particularly with PC games that have system requirements. Remember you're writing for your average Joe. It's easy to go too far in the opposite direction though, with things like 'I bought this game for my daughter and she really enjoyed it. The end.'. You aren't writing for Amazon, we need more details!

2. Balancing information

It's easy to waffle with games, including silly things like the technical spec, other games in the series, even the addresses of the company HQ etc. 99% of the time, this is irrelevant to your opinion. If it's particularly essential, for example a game has an unusual requirement to run, then it's worth including, but otherwise just leave it out. It's pure copying and pasting from elsewhere, and often unnecessary or meaningless.

3. Overview

Include a general background to the game - what is the general concept? What is the genre - puzzle, action, adventure? Does it include familiar characters - if so, who? Is it part of a series or a stand alone? Can you just pick it up and play on and off, or does it have particular chapters/missions/save points?

4. Key questions

Key questions I ask myself when I'm reading about a game or looking for information are:

- What ages is this game suitable for?
- How much play will I get out of it?
- What games is it comparable to (if possible)?
- What do I need to play the game (console? specific controller? if it's a wii game, can I use nunchucks/balance boards/plastic attachments?)
- How much does it cost? (roughly - cheaper games are often much shorter or have lower ratings)
- How can I play? (how many players and what will they need, is there an online mode, can I download anything to add to the game?)

5. Disadvantages

There are very few games without problems or bugs of some kind, even if the game itself has taken 7 years or more to produce. Maybe the controls are a bit funny in one place, or you have to be careful to avoid doing something to activate a bug. Maybe the game is too short, or only aimed at girls between 5 and 7, or maybe there's just something so silly about the storyline or an event which makes it ridiculous. Perhaps the price is too much for what it is. If so, we want to know about it.

So that's my summary of things to include in a good games review. I have a feeling some people just read the box or an online description to write their reviews, and it's all too obvious from the detail whether someone has just done that or rented it for a night or played it at a friend's. That usually doesn't give you enough experience of the game to review it properly, and I doubt you could review a computer game adequately enough in fewer than 500 words. Normally I don't bother with reviews having to be a certain length for a VU, but even if the game is the shortest and most basic in the world, there's still room for your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and overall opinion - which is what counts, after all!

Summary: I want to rate you VU - please give me a chance to!