Game Reviews - DS in general

Okay, I don't mean to sound like a ungrateful spoiled little brat. I know that Gamespot is a free site that is run by people on that basis. They don't need to satisfy me because, honestly, I'm not really a customer but more of a leech.

HOWEVER, I do come to Gamespot for three major things: Reviews, List of Upcoming Games, and Videos. I use these to dictate my spending habits and to, generally, make me an informed customer. It's not much, but if it helps me not waste the money... well, I'm going to get kinda militant if it doesn't work out.

As such, I have found lately that Gamespot has been really bad about reviewing games. Not so much their final score, that's subjective and fine. However, I am talking about their punctuality. The new FF XII for DS has been out for a couple days and nothing. Lego Star Wars Complete has been out since the 6th with nothing. These are just two examples because I still haven't found them, but I have run into this wall fairly often lately with these two just kinda being at the front of my mind.

Am I the only person that is running into this problem? Am I just an ungrateful little leech? Or do I happen to have a point? I dunno, it's been bothering me for quite some time now and I needed to vent. So, in the end, don't mind me. Just thought I'd share a frustration with the group.

-Cheers

Okay, I don't mean to sound like a ungrateful spoiled little brat. I know that Gamespot is a free site that is run by people on that basis. They don't need to satisfy me because, honestly, I'm not really a customer but more of a leech.

HOWEVER, I do come to Gamespot for three major things: Reviews, List of Upcoming Games, and Videos. I use these to dictate my spending habits and to, generally, make me an informed customer. It's not much, but if it helps me not waste the money... well, I'm going to get kinda militant if it doesn't work out.

As such, I have found lately that Gamespot has been really bad about reviewing games. Not so much their final score, that's subjective and fine. However, I am talking about their punctuality. The new FF XII for DS has been out for a couple days and nothing. Lego Star Wars Complete has been out since the 6th with nothing. These are just two examples because I still haven't found them, but I have run into this wall fairly often lately with these two just kinda being at the front of my mind.

Am I the only person that is running into this problem? Am I just an ungrateful little leech? Or do I happen to have a point? I dunno, it's been bothering me for quite some time now and I needed to vent. So, in the end, don't mind me. Just thought I'd share a frustration with the group.

-Cheers

monkeyhore

Same here.:(

Same here

It's really hard to stay on task with the DS, especially since there really aren't too many review builds send to the press until they actually ship.

I actually do most of the reviews for my site myself, and we do sometimes beat GS. But yeah, I guess sometimes it is on the backburner.

Anyway, FFXII is actually quite solid. I'll try to get my review in on the weekend.

I don't have problem with GS's reviews in general.

But to be honest, it is a little disappointing when they're a little late when the other sites already posted reviews of certain games. I'm concerned about games like Contra 4 or Revenant Wings, for example. I'm sure they have a good reason for it, like the game wasn't sent to them on time, or they're loaded with too much work, etc.

Also, although I understand that certain games should get the priority, but still, if a review can be placed earlier, than that would be encouraging.

Well they have a small staff, they dont always get the games on the day it comes oout, console get priority, and they have to beat the whole game first

And id just like to say that GS is equally hard on the psp ans the ds

I understand that this is a busy time of the year and all. I can expect that. But I mean, I remember when this site use to be Cnet and they then created Gamespot. It started out as a place for gamers to go for info on games and to see what's coming. I thought that was what Gamespot was about first and foremost. I'm just finding that I have to go to other sites to find info or creep the forums for info from other gamers. I ended up going out today and getting FF XII and Lego Star Wars because other people sent me messages giving their thoughts on them. They gave me enough info to make a smart purchase.

FYI, props to you people for the help and all. It's appreciated!:D

I remember when this site use to be Cnet and they then created Gamespot.monkeyhore

That is historically inacurate. GameSpot was not part of CNET until ZDNet was acquired by CNET. And it wasn't always part of ZDNet either.

Uh, sorry for that. I've forgotten what the topic is about.

I kept waiting for the FF RW review to come up so I also went looking at other sites and forums to decide to buy it or not ( after I didn't like Lost Magic I was on the fence since it was a RTS format ). I was going to get it for Christmas but hubby surprised me with it on Friday evening ( gonna hafta send him out for laundry soap more often! lol ) Anyways, I have found I don't go by the scores. I'll read the full review and see if I can deal with the faults of the game, storyline is a big plus or minus, and of course the generes I like or don't care for. GS is really good about being subjective on the gameplay I have found and pretty much I agree on most games. However, the zelda review and walkthrough was up in a couple days and I loved following along with the launch center, but I guess those are rare for any DS game?? With all the hype that was on here for FF RW I expected a lunch center for it too, but it didn't happen and there is still no review, that does make me scratch my head a bit. Why all the hype if there is no rush to get the review or notes on it up?

Consoles may be more popular, but shouldn't there be a team for each system? One team does PSP, one to do DS, on for 360, etc. If the reviewers are doing only one system and compareing what the game system can do to a recent game, and one game to the next for improvements, etc. wouldn't the review be more accurate??

Just some ideas I had swimming through my head. Please don't blast me or take offense, as none was ment.

Let's be fair. Most people here have more then just a DS. I'm unfortunately not one of those people. But let's face it when it comes to Console games that's really what you want to hear about when it comes down to it. Handhelds are usually second on your mind or at least I found it that way when Gamecube still released new titles. This is the busiest release period of the year right before Black Friday (the day after thanksgiving for the non-Americans) and do remember that is Thanksgiving and most people get the day before, thanksgiving, and the day after off of work. I'm sure well get the rest of the reviews at the start of the week. Besides you'd have to be insane to brave a best buy today.DeliriumGlo

Lets not forget that Nintendo has been toping sales lists for software lately. Console games or not, they should be focused on reviewing the games for systems that are selling.

Contra 4 is a prime example of a game that could have potentially been awful. No review for days led me to be ballsy and pick it up anyway. Those of us who did are grateful that it's retained it's greatness, but there's still no review, nor is one needed, weeks later. If you're set up to provide detailed, current information about video games, there's no excuse for having official reviews AFTER the player's reviews are up on your site.

And I agree that GameSpot tends to be overly critical when reviewing DS games.

Just my opinion.