E192 Scores - Trigger Happy Returns!

[MattyD]

It does raise some interesting questions about how episodic content should be reviewed though.

Do you review the first, knowing that each will basically play the same?

Do you review every single episode as it is released, risking repeating the same criticisms each time?

Or do you wait for the inevitable box set to be released and review the whole thing at once several weeks/months down the line?

Something to tell you bossman would be: GamesTM needs a proper sub-section for reviewing DLC. With episodic content you could say give the first episode a one page or half page review and then have a little 'round-up' section similar to the short previews you do, giving a quick appraisal of the new episode. Even if you have to copy and paste the text in from forumites it's something.

[Kaladron]

Even if you have to copy and paste the text in from forumites it's something.

[jim g]

They're estimating the length because it's an episodic game and their review code only had the first three episodes on it.

It does raise some interesting questions about how episodic content should be reviewed though.

Do you review the first, knowing that each will basically play the same?

Do you review every single episode as it is released, risking repeating the same criticisms each time?

Or do you wait for the inevitable box set to be released and review the whole thing at once several weeks/months down the line?

Still bollocks, they should play the whole game before posting a review. If they have to wait to get the full game they shoudl wait and review it then.

I stopped reading Edge as many of their reviews were so vague I actually began to wonder if they had even played the games at all.

[gaz@manc]

Still bollocks, they should play the whole game before posting a review. If they have to wait to get the full game they shoudl wait and review it then.

With episodic games, this could mean waiting 6-12 months after the debut, even longer if you count the Half-Life 2 Episodes. Like it or not, reviews on release have become ingrained into the way many people make their purchases (just like film or music). Likewise magazines are based on up to date news/features - what would be the point in dedicating print space to a lengthy review of a game that has in parts been available for ages, when the next big thing is around the corner?

It isn't the fault of the magazines or the writers, its just the way entertainment industries work.

[Kaladron]

Still bollocks, they should play the whole game before posting a review. If they have to wait to get the full game they shoudl wait and review it then.

I stopped reading Edge as many of their reviews were so vague I actually began to wonder if they had even played the games at all.

But what constitutes a full game? Surely you could argue that reviewing three 'episodes' is actually reviewing three games?

[Kaladron]

And if we'd all waited for Shenmue to be finished then the first two 'parts' would never have been reviewed.