Slide's Blogs

Hey NZG'rs,

Haven't written a blog in a LONG time so I thought I'd waste revision time and get something down (Y)

Basically this is a five step guide to buying a video game. It involves:

1. Picking A Genre

2. Reading Some Reviews

3. Getting Peer Opinion

4. Researching the Developer

5. Hiring it out (optional)

Step 1: Pick a genre

When buying a new game I find that in today's market, you are going to get a lot to pick from. The problem is, that the market's full of sh*t. From games like Legendary to Haze, there is so much that looks good that you want to avoid like the plague (or swine flu...) Your first step is to select a genre, which in turn decides on whether your going to be taking a huge risk.

 Basically, if you go for RPG you are going to be running more risk if you go Western than Japanese. JRPG stereotypically sticks to a very neat and tested formula, so not much can go wrong. However, western developers have a tendancy to, shall we say, experiment. This can work (see Fallout 3) and this can fall flat on its face (see Two Worlds).

 If your more of an FPS'r, there is a certain degree of risk involved, but easily avoidable. Compared to other genres, there are highly praised games such as CoD 4 and Halo 3 that will do most gamers nicely. There aren't many 'rare gems' imo in the genre, and you'll most likely have heard of the good ones... but if you are going to foot the bill on a more risky title READ A REVIEW (step 2)

 Action and Adventure is a genre reserved for RPG/FPS hybrids in my opinion (Arkham Asylum, Uncharted) so your taking a risk whith any game you buy as it may not be your cup of tea, but the aforementioned 2 are VERY good games. Personally recommended.

 Platformers are the same, most good ones are instantly recognisable (PoP, R&C etc), as most have been around since the 1st gen platforms (2nd gen also). But once again, there ARE exceptions that are not instantly recognisable as a mainstream game, so read reviews.

 Strategy is a little trickier. There are crap titles under the genre out there but the degree in variation in these games isn't necessarily quality, it's difficulty. Supreme Commander and CoH are quite difficult, when compared to C&C, but fun none the less. Depends on the learning curve your willing to handle.

 Music games and other miscellaneous titles are very hard to go wrong on, as they're very similar. Guitar Hero, Rock Band, who cares... its all fun (and if I see an argument in the comment section about that....)

Step 2: Read Some Reviews

I know this seems simple enough, but time and time again my friends try to sell me games that 'they just didn't like' and I look at the Haze they're holding out to me and think, 'The entire world could have told you that you weren't going to like it...'

 I cannot emphasise the importance on pre purchase research. If you see a game at a store and think 'This Looks Like a Keeper', 7/10 times YOU'RE WRONG! Just cool down, put it down and read a review. I recommend either NZGamer and IGN. Read a few, get multiple opinions. You cannot research a game enough.

 If the reviews vary, read why the scores are different. I find if they vary on graphical quality or more superficial qualities, it may be the writers professionalism coming into play. IF THE GAMEPLAY, STORY OR LASTING APPEAL ARE LOW... AVOID!!!! If you're spening up to $130 on a new title these days, guarantee your money's worth.

3. Get Peer Opinion

Sometimes reviews can be a tad biast. The reviewer may have a thing for the developer, or a fetish for the genre that mes everything look good. 9/10 times they're on the nail, but they can still be wrong. Empire Magazine listed the reviews they'd gotten wrong over time in a recent issue, and the list had a few huge mistakes... Game Reviewers do it to.

 I would recommend either asking a community (click here) or ask people you know irl, because most of them will be able to tell you straight up what they think, in an honest sense.

 Peer opinion is good for two reasons:

1) YOU CAN NEVER DO ENOUGH RESEARCH!

2) They tend to tell you from a gamer's perspective, not someone on a payroll.

Step 4: Research The Developer.

Infinity Ward vs Treyarch.

 It basically tells its own tale. CoDWaW was a good game, but it just lacked that polish IW gave CoD4. That punch that left you feeling like you'd been to Iraq and back. 

 My point is that you need to research your developer. If you'r buying something from BioWare (See KotoR or Mass Effect),

you're on the money. If you're buying something from RealityPump (see Two Worlds) then your gonna want to put that back nice and slowly...

 Although this can sometimes be a bit hasty, as developers release awful games before the one that goes up for GotY, you can sometimes tell by the fact their name is attached to the box that a game is a dud.

Step 5: Hire

It's only 8 dollars, and I'd recommend it, but it's still optional. If you are renting, only play the first level (tutorial not included) to get a feel for the overall style. It make take a bit away once you've purchased it... but in the long run its worth it!

Thanks for Reading. Rate and Comment and see you all later.

Your friendly neighbourhood Slide!