One of the things I've always admired here at GameSpot is their reviewing system. That one thing that's always kept me coming back, checking and trusting their latest reviews from all systems, and one factor which eventually made me join their forums. Some of you might know, however, that you cannot review and score a game using single unit digits, (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.), or, lord forbid, use the dreaded 5 star System. Why you ask? Because games simply have too much to talk about, too many pros - and cons, so many factors to consider: is the sound right? Do the graphics fit to the games style?
Then, as some of you might know, a few days ago, GameSpot announced that they would change their reviewing system and scheme - dramaticly. They would be getting rid of the five main categories, (Gameplay, Graphics, Sound etc.) These were all judged, giving a rating up to 10, which in turn were all totalled, and after a bit of Maths then gave the game its final score. Well, that will cease to exist come Monday. Why?! I'm just as puzzled as you. These small, yet effective reviewing methods gave you exactly what you wanted to know, what did the game succeed in? What was the gamplay really like? Well, that will have to change.
Another major change is the actual score the game will ultimately get. Once again i say, one of the merits of GameSpot, is its actually scoring method, instead of just using 1 - 10, they use decimals, which increased the accuracy of how good the game actually is. Well, not no longer, GameSpot will now be using 0.5s, e.g. 8.0, 8.5, 9.0 etc. You can imagine my face when i saw this. Why?! Again, i hear you ask. This will mean alot of things, just simply a load of 9.0 and 9.5s, and, hopefully, there will be no 10s given to a game which dosen't deserve it.
Of course, the new reviews shouldn't be too bland and leave you knowing nothing. There will be, obviously, the actually written review, which (should be) longer and more detailed. They will also be introducing medals awarded for the games merits, to show the games high points - and its low points, which could work.
Another major shift is System Wars. As most of you will know, the fanboys have the whole 'Ownage' element over there pretty sorted, having A-AAA games, and taunting the opposite fanboy about how their version of a multiplat game is better than theres. Well, not anymore. How will fanboys own other people with their big hyped games, when they all will probably get 9.0 or 9.5? How can we define an AAA game? Will fanboys best new friends be Awards to show off how their version of the game is better? One things for sure, from Monday, alot of things will be different around that cold place and a 'Lockdown' may be necessary. R.I.P System Wars (2001 - 2007) - a hard yet cold reality.
So, how will things turn out? Better or Worse? Who knows, maybe the new reviewing system will be good, maybe it will be fairer, giving games more of a chance, and maybe, it will really show what a game has achieved in, and what it hasn't...Also, GS are changing the layout of their site - but that's not important right now.
I leave you with a quote, for the whole of GameSpot and its inhabitants to consider:
'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.'
Until next time,
HyruleDweller.
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