I'm actually kinda interested in writing game reviews now, so I'm going to do some research and post my thoughts & findings here in this thread. Feel free to add any suggestions, advice, and feedback to the discussion
here is some "straight off the top of my head" initial thoughts.................... content is key (come correct or don't bother writing at all): -you will need screenshots -misc photos; logos, picture of dev, ect -you will need video/videos -a table; part summary, part overall impression/score of the game (optional) -an epic title (easier said then done, in most cases) -catchy description; short and sweet (for blogs that have jumps and easy for people to use as a description when they submit/share content) -layout of the review -editing/finalizing -publish that isssh All about the screenshots: Since I'm just starting out and don't have the luxury of press releases with all kinds of lovely screenshots attached; I will have to improvise...... how to get screenshots? -copy/paste them from app store? (for reviews) -keep an eye on forum threads for screenshots (for previews and/or reviews) -straight up snap a photo of the game running on your device (if necessary) All about misc photos: A picture is worth a thousands words.... These misc photos are used primarily for "news" content like: -previews -game conference coverage -interviews -or for editing in videos -but you may want to in some cases, use a logo (thumbnail image) in your review.....you never know...... Ideally you will want to build out a folder of relevant content (screenshots, videos, misc photos, ect) before anything gets published but that doesn't mean you "have" to use all of it........ going to go ahead and post this......next up: All about video
tru that.... but im not really here to "self promote" so to speak.... just collecting some initial thoughts & starting a discussion. i might eventually end up doing that as i learn more and link to it from this thread to show some examples and to practice working on content just for the fun of it but for me this is more of an exercise/project/discussion that im actually quite interested in. i can't wait to read all of the post & replies!!! im sure there will be lots of insight, advice, and suggestions being passed around on this thread as the discussion progresses. TA really is wonderful community after all also im very much interested in working with anyone who wants to participate. im all about collaboration and networking
All about Video.......................... video concepts.... -game demo -quick look -play thru game demo: -a 3-5 min demo of the game -with narration -straight up write a script, or just a list of bullet points of things that you want to show or bring up while demoing the game quick look -1-3min video that jumps right into gameplay and the action of the game -no narration -include cuts and edits play thru? -complete play thru of the game -with or without narration; doesn't matter -label & tag videos accurately and in depth so they can be easily found by doing searches, and hopefully get embedded views and linked to for use with walkthrus/strategy guides -this is optional not required for the review questions......... -best kind of camera to use for the videos? -what are some ideal camera settings for doing the videos? -setups that you found to work best? -or a guide for making a rig or a cam helmet for the videos? -best & most affordable video editing software
Video reviews -6-8 minute video -requires lots of video editing -a script recorded separately from video -capture video footage relevant to script or specifically to emphasize the points your making in the script -edit the audio and video together with slides and additional content any other tips or tricks? suggestions? ideas?
any ideas on what games to cover? thinking about covering a couple com2us games like the calligo (did I spell that right?) chaser and the IMO mmo coming out, since TA hasn't covered them yet afaik!
The biggest thing: Edit your copy carefully. Poor grammar, typos, and thoughts that don't make any sense will take a reader out of a story faster than you can say N-Gage exclusive. Develop your own voice. When you write something ask yourself, "Does this sound like something I would say?" I write for a site called http://gamerpops.com in my spare time (my day job is similar though), so I do have some experience on the subject.
I'm going to get a practice review going on an idevice game that I already own and has been out for awhile...... I'm essentially going to just embedded content from TA and other sources thats already available on the web. I'm still definitely interested in making my own video content, but for this exercise I'm just going to practice the writing, the layout, and the editing/finalizing process of the review. going to work on it when i have some free time over the weekend
The advice in this thread is all valid and valuable. In general, stay away from overusing what I call non-descriptive descriptive words. These terms include the following: awesome delightful can't believe (as in I can't believe how great or bad...) best (unless you provide some context) blows super duper revolutionary I see these used so often among others, it makes me hurl since they point to adolescence rather than substance. Trust me, I've used them myself. On top of all this, remember to have fun with it. Your reviews are subjective and there will be times when overzealous readers will use that as an excuse to attack you. Don't take it personally since most of these readers can't read or write above the 4th grade level. Also, keep a balanced approach since you will never be able to stay on top of all the releases. Remember to have a life outside of this place. And, most importantly, as soon as writing reviews is no longer fun, move on.
Try to avoid using the same word more than once to describe something, use a thesaurus to get some wider vocabulary. Then again, don't be too flowery with the language, your talking to people not English experts! (sorry if that's obvious!)
Sounds like you're thinking it through a little too much, if it takes this much contemplation you'll be lucky to get one review out a month
Out of interest, do people think that smaller review sites are going to suffer after the launch of the ipad? Can they still compete if they stick to idevice 1.0 reviews? i.e. the larger sites can afford to buy ipads and keep up with the platform, whereas smaller review sites may find it hard to build the capital to buy an ipad, let alone enough for one each for all the contributors
Anything Big Albie says is gold, so listen to his advice. But seriously, my best advice is to find a fun place to write on. Not a site full of a bunch of stiffs, but not a place where nobody is serious. Where you write makes a world of difference. One word of warning though- Once you start reviewing, be prepared to not be able to enjoy games as much. It won't affect some games, but you'll be picking out all of the flaws, and you won't be able to spend as much time with the game. Just my 2 cents.
