How to Write a Video Game Review
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
You love to play video games and you definitely have opinions on them. Now, you want to write a review to share your thoughts with the world. But, what key pieces of information do you need to include to make it valuable to the people reading it?
The Basics
Of course, you need to include some basic information about the game you are reviewing. These facts will help players find the game – or avoid it, based on your recommendations.
Make sure you include
- Name of the Game
- Platform (Xbox, Playstation 2, Gamecube, Nintendo DS, PC, Internet, etc.)
- Publisher
Tell Me About It
Give the people reading your review a little information about the game. Does it fall into a neatly defined genre or does it cross genres? If so, which ones? Indicate whether the game is based on a license such as a sports team or a movie. Also, if the game has a backstory, you might want to provide a brief synopsis of the plot. Is it a multi-player game? If so, it is useful to indicate how many players it can support!
Evaluate It
Think about the other things you would want to know if you were considering buying the game. First, did you think it was a good game or a bad one? But, don't just say it was good or bad; explain the reasoning behind your evaluation. Consider breaking your review down into categories since some parts of that game may be great while other parts are lacking. Some useful categories to consider in your review include:
- Gameplay
- Difficulty level: Was the game too hard or too easy? Did it offer variable difficulty levels so that players could adjust the play to their own skill levels?
- Different modes of play: Are there different ways to play the game? For example, a racing game may have a simulation mode as well as an arcade mode. It may also have a team manager mode where you can configure your car and make decisions about your racing team's strategies.
- Fun factor: Was the game fun? Games are all supposed to be fun, but we all know some are and some aren't.
- Replayability: Is it a game you want to keep going back to or did you have enough of it after a few hours? If it had a goal and you met the goal/finished the game, is there any reason to go back and try again (for example a different mode or things you can only do once you have finished?)
- Depth/length of game: Does the game seem very small and finite or do the worlds seem to go on forever? Do you keep discovering new things as you explore or are you feeling like you've been there and done that by the second hour you play?
- Game Controls and Physics: Does the lead character/vehicle/weapon feel responsive? Does it operate the way you would expect? If it is a simulation, are the physics of the world realistic?
- Graphics: Are the graphics lifelike or cartoony? Photorealistic or stylized? Whatever the style, is the game visually appealing?
- Audio: How are the sound effects and music? Audio can make or break a game by enhancing an experience or irritating the heck out of you.
- Movie sequences: Are there introductory or between scene movie sequences? Do they tell part of the story or seem gratuitous? Do they look and sound good? Can you pass through them or are you held hostage watching the intro for the hundredth time?
- Instructions/manuals: While the instructions are not critical for many games, some like simulations need detailed manuals to make the experience complete. Note whether the instructions were helpful to your gaming experience.
Summary
Consider ending your review with a summary of your evaluation and recommendations. Should people run right out and buy this game for themselves, or is it just worth a weekend rental? Even worse, do you think the game should be renamed "landfill?" You tell us. You're the reviewer.
Formatting
Never used a WIKI site before? You can, of course, just enter text, but you may want to add some formatting in order to give your review a little more punch. Check out this guide to WIKI hints in order to help you get started with formating your lovetoknow video game review.
- Try your Wiki skills in our Sandbox!
Learn More
This page has been accessed 2,806 times. This page was last modified 01:56, 15 April 2006.
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