Review Guide

[rsstites]

This is a mini guide to writing reviews. First off if you want the review on the main site then it must be around 500 words. That is about one page on the site. If you go to two to three thousand words then great.

Where to start.

Your first paragraph should be an introductory paragraph. Write the review as if the reader has never heard of the game. Tell about its history, and what makes the franchise special. If it is a new game you can tell about its development cycle. If you don’t know any of that, that is okay too. The first paragraph (or two) is meant to catch the reader’s attention.

Then write a paragraph (or more) of each aspect of the game. Graphics, controls, sound, replay value, fun factor, on-line capabilities, characters, story, and anything else that makes the game special. It doesn’t matter if you talk about the story and characters first or last, and it’s not a big deal if you miss a category (like sound, I almost always forget sound).

This is just a good format for beginners, and it is what I use. I have had formal journalism training, but that was in college, and I can’t always make what I’m reading sound interesting.

Just remember:

First you have an opening paragraph.

Then you talk about the (in any order):
Story
Characters
Graphics
Controls
Sound
On-line
Fun factor / Replay value
Anything else you can think of

And finish with a closing paragraph that summarizes the article.

Many of you have the ability to be much better writers than I am, so if you find it fun and want people to read what you think, just give it a shot.

Also, it was mentioned that we should put the box art at the top of the review, and maybe even screenshots. It does make the review look more appealing.

Any suggestions, or further advice?

[danny12]

I like to include a section in my reviews for past games in the series/genre. Bit of background info don't hurt so its a suggestion for reviews.

[rsstites]

That is definately a very good thing to add. If there are no past games you can also add the development cycle history of the game.

[Kidd Rune3]

thats it im gonna make some of these

[danny12]

I have to start writing them again, i'm a bloddy staff member for god sake and i ain't wrote one in ages

[Kidd Rune3]

i just wrote my 1st 1

[rsstites]

And it was good. If you ever want them posted on the main site, just keep them in article format instead of a list like you did.

[Kidd Rune3]

ok i think the next 1 i do is going to be super mario 64

[sydislam]

I think it is also important to keep the reviews as spoiler free as possible. It can be very frustrating to read a review that gives away the ending of the game.

[danizduhman]

And if you do choose to put a spoiler, make sure that it says that in the beginning so readers don't get frustrated.