The Gamer's Quarter

[dhex]

http://firingsquad.com/features/problems_with_video_game_journalism/default.asp

some of what they describe is the nature of writing on deadline - if you wait too long you're writing history, not journalism. style issues aside, as that's more a function of writers + editors + editorial slant/nature of publication.

but beyond that...the point about the distortion of a sense of value is actually quite useful.
_________________

[Tablesaw]

Innovation bias is the thing I tend to have the most problem with when I'm reading reviews, and that's a general game-media-culture issue.
_________________
It's the saw of the table!

[Mister Toups]

That's actually a realy good article, though it only really scratches the surface while occasionally hinting at the more profound problems with games journalism.
_________________
where were you when nana komatsu got a wii?

[Szczepaniak]

As usual, Mr Hex slowly rises up the ranks of my many heroes in life. That's a good article to link to!

It's also why I like feature writing, and retro coverage.

Fun Fact: I've never, ever been paid to write a review. They've all been features of varying types, mainly historical retrospective features, and interviews.

But I agree completely with the sentiments. For example, when writing about the Popful Mail series, I rushed through the Turbo Duo version in two days. As a result of this hasty work, I failed to wax verbally about the later exclusive stages, which are the reason for playing that version. I only covered it in brief. Only a few weeks after I'd handed it in, did these stages start to weigh down on my mind, and now I regret not covering them more.

Another major problem, unlike films, is that modern games take FAR too long to play. So much so, I don't bother buying many games. I mean, come on! Remember when great RPGs only took 20 hours to complete? You could do them in a weekend!

Now it's all 75 hours plus.

That feature highlights several problems with the industry, which are continuing to grow worse, and are cyclical in nature.

[Sushi d]

[dhex]

one must, of course, separate jrpgs from american ones when discussing play length. american rpgs have probably gotten much shorter.
_________________

[Kinuko]

It's a nice article written from a semi-academic point of view. I'd keep the points he made in mind while editting a review.

But really, there really is a lack of reflection in reviews. It's like writing book reports in high school - all mindless retelling not personal commentary. It's just so easy to fall into.


And this is Persona using Kinuko's computer again. BWARGHAGH.

[dhex]

well, the flipside can be true...i've read plenty of stuff that was mindless personal crap and not enough storytelling.

the one thing that struck me about this list was that there was nothing about making the review/interview/piece compelling. i guess it's assumed that with a fanbase...it's all compelling.
_________________

[seryogin]

[Lackey]