How to write a video game review?

*Creativity-Squared Jan 10, 2013 Student Writer

I just finished playing what I believe is a very good game (Amnesia: The Dark Descent). I really would like to write a review of this game for my blog, but I don't really know how to start. Does anyone have any good tips on how to write a decent game review? What are your methods?

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Devious Comments

~kmwright Jan 13, 2013

You see those reviewers on Metacritic. They're the what not to do.

*Creativity-Squared Jan 14, 2013 Student Writer

I haven't, but I will. Thanks!

~LouisEugenioJR Jan 11, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

I usually put around 20 or so hours of game play into a game, just to understand all of its features, take a hard look at its graphical quality, understand its mechanics, adapt to the controls, get a feel of its game play...I can go on forever.

But more importantly, I play a game about 5 or so times before I write a review.

I hope this advice is helpful.

*drachenmagier Jan 12, 2013 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Five times as in sitting down to play a few hours for five times or five times through the whole game? Especially RPGs would make the latter rather hard to accomplish.

~Requiemthefallen Jan 12, 2013 Professional General Artist

Five times is a bit extraneous. As someone who often writes reviews as more of a hobby than anything else -- just try to give an honest opinion about the game. Try to cover what is good and what is bad, and explain how the various mechanics of the game work together. If there's something particularly mindboggling good or bad, then you can focus on that, but still try to take everything into consideration. And don't worry about review scores.

*drachenmagier Jan 13, 2013 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Depends on the game. Quite a few games are rather short and do require multiple playthroughs to see and do everything you can see and do in the game. Most shooters are only a few hours long, so you can easily play through them twice in one day. I know some of my games here are only about 1h long.

And I guess you replied to the wrong person.

While I do write reviews, I did that for a few years already, I know how I like to write them and I have no questions about it.

~LouisEugenioJR Jan 12, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

For RPG's, I would try putting as many hours as possible.

*drachenmagier Jan 12, 2013 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Not many do. ^^
I really like you for that.
Keep rocking.

*Creativity-Squared Jan 12, 2013 Student Writer

It is helpful, but I am curious. Why do you play the game over and over? Just to get a real feel for the game?

~LouisEugenioJR Jan 12, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

Pretty much.

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