Did Edge actually play Super Metroid?

[gIzzE]

I still get Edge now, don't think I have missed an issue, I was given a copy of a then new magasine by the guy in the gameshop I used, it was called 'edge' and the fact it was issue 0 intrigued me.
I bought it every month from then and then started subscribing about 10 years ago. Haven't liked it for a while, but the new layout feels a lot better again.
Problem is I don't like that many new titles, and don't play much, but just can't cancel it, will cancel it on issue 240 as that will have been 20 years, or is that issue 239?? Oh ****! better work that out!

[Sketcz]

Another thing that pisses me off with EDGE is that they don't credit writers for features. And now GamesTM, feeling the need to ape them, does the same. There was a time when GTM credited its feature writers, but not anymore, and I blame EDGE for this ****ing travesty of journalism. Every writer deserves a byline, especially if he's researched and produced an amazing feature.

The reason I'm bitter about this is because I sometimes write features. (for GTM, not EDGE)

[zipper]

When I read something, I need to know who wrote it.

I need to form a picture and opinion of the writer. I enjoy imagining what they might write next, and I read the articles differently depending on who wrote them. Same as when I read a newspaper piece, a document/email at work, or any book I've ever read.
I guess the idea with Edge is that the magazine enforces templates, takes the credit, and forms a 'personality' of it's own instead? It doesn't work. The individual styles and opinions of the writers make a magazine. The more different the writers the better.
Imagine reading the 'First Play' thread here without any poster names.
I've stopped buying Games TM, and Edge gave GTA3 6/10.

[Sketcz]

Email them and complain, demand writer credits!

[Leon Retro]

Another thing that pisses me off with EDGE is that they don't credit writers for features.

The people running EDGE think it's cool to be anonymous. That's a really stupid attitude - and one of the many reasons why EDGE is such a dull magazine. Then again... such pompous people probably do need to hide when most people would love to hit them over the head with a copy of Retro Gamer

I bought EDGE in the 90s because it started off well and it was pretty good for a while. Maximum was more my thing, but that only lasted for around 10 issues. GameFan was also very good; the sort of mag I enjoy.

I bought GTM for a while when it first came out, but it felt like a catalogue( still does ) .. with only the retro section putting a smile on my face. Why are retro fans better at writing and design? .. Why are they so cheerful? ... Maybe it's because the gaming scene and games in general was so bright and happy.. that it's natural for retro enthusiasts to share that emotion.

I finally cancelled my EDGE subscription; the Wii U issue is my last. I was reading it the other day - and the design makes my head ache Maybe I'll enjoy gaming more now that EDGE won't be putting the dampers on my enthusiasm. At least I'm sure not to have sooo many headaches from trying to work out whether they like a game or not, or whether they actually have any human emotion.

[averybluemonkey]

I really like the new design myself, let's face it most gaming mags have the graphic design skills of a hyperactive thirteen year old. I can only think of 3 magazines that have ever looked slick and stylish - DC-UK, official DC mag and Edge. I disagree with their reviews often enough but the reason I buy it is because they are well written and argueued so whether or not I agree is irrelevant because it's enjoyable to read their side of the debate. The accusations of pompousness just aren't fair, how are you expected to review something without taking a critical stance and stating what fails as much as what works? And they have a right to a bit of an attitude, how many games mags have the shelf life they've had?

[zipper]

It's being critical and anonymous that I dislike. That's why it feels pompous. It's not being delivered as an individual's opinion, it's being delivered as gospel according to edge.

[averybluemonkey]

I can't think of any magazine that hasn't positioned a review they've published as being just an author's opinion and not the stance of the publication.

[Leon Retro]

I really like the new design myself, let's face it most gaming mags have the graphic design skills of a hyperactive thirteen year old.

Some people( especially the designer ) are going to like it, but honestly... I can't stand it. I had been thinking about cancelling my sub for a while - and the new design cemented by decision.

I see nothing attractive or better about the new design. I find the whole style confusing, annoying and joyless. Why do EDGE and GTM have to feel like industry catalogues? ... The official DC magazine was also like that. I like a magazine to have character, charm, and warmth, like my favourite games. Gaming is fun, so why can't magazines be fun? ... I don't have any desire for pompous indistinct musings. Mean Machines delivered the sort of friendly, direct style I appreciate. Of course... I'd need a magazine like that to be a bit more grown up these days... but adult shouldn't have to mean serious and cold.

EDGE has too much attitude - and none of it good. The hidden faces behind EDGE have changed over the years, so it's not like it's always been the same people working hard to keep it going for 18 years. GamesMaster magazine is still going, so maybe I'll buy that instead.

[zipper]

I can't think of any magazine that hasn't positioned a review they've published as being just an author's opinion and not the stance of the publication.

My favourite magazines often offer / offered more than one (named) individual opinion on the same games.
By not naming the author, Edge feels like a borg-esque collective stance on opinions. I only have the magazine to attribute the opinions too.

[averybluemonkey]

I've bought GamesMaster off and on over the years, personally I hate it's presentation, just looks like people vomitted up a bunch of screenshots everywhere and there's hardly any text in their reviews. Barring previews, which in this age of the internet aren't sufficient, it just feels devoid of content, like a copy of Heat magazine. They don't even use proper binding.

Besides Mean Machines what other mags did the multiple reviewer thing?

[zipper]

Besides Mean Machines what other mags did the multiple reviewer thing?

Not necessarily multiple reviews, just opinions from more than one named person. Retro Gamer for instance.
With any article, and especially critique of subjective media, surely knowing who wrote something is more important than what's written?

[Skull Commander]

Acade magazine was another decent one that was short lived. Games TM filled the void for a while, but in recent times it's became more "Edge Lite", which lead to me cancelling my subscription (really!).

[averybluemonkey]

Not necessarily multiple reviews, just opinions from more than one named person. Retro Gamer for instance.
With any article, and especially critique of subjective media, surely knowing who wrote something is more important than what's written?

I don't think so, you can judge easily from the text whether their attitude matches yours, I've never once factored the review writer into the equation.

[zipper]

I guess I want to know whose attitude it is that matches / differs so much from mine. Taking anonymous text at face value isn't as enjoyable for me. Knowing who wrote something makes it more personable and enjoyable. Removing the author makes the magazine look aloof. I think that feeling of distance is what Edge want though, and there's no doubt it appeals.