Oh, I didn't assume you were talking about me at all. But as I said, it's something I have been accused of, so I thought I'd pass comment.
As for my Mass Effect 2 review, as I wrote in the summary, it's the best game I've ever played. The best game ever made? Very debatable, since everybody's looking for something different in a game. But I was honest about my own opinion, and the review should be read with that in mind. Fact is, it's hard to be completely objective. Actually, I'd say it's impossible. Broken games aside, what works for one player won't necessarily work for another. All I can do is say, "Well, there's this, that, or the other thing, and I liked it because...". Of course, I'm a big fan of (western) RPGs, shooters, sci-fi, and quality, mature writing, so of course I'm biased. But so's a significant portion of the readers, I'm sure. So I'm open about where I'm coming from, and everybody else can choose to go along with that or not, depending on their own points of view. I don't do stuff by the book at all, I guess. Probably because I've never taken a writing course in my life, so I don't even know the rules.
Still, I do think that, as objectively as I can make it, Mass Effect 2 is a superb game. ;P Let's just say that, if you're a big fan of (western) RPGs, shooters, sci-fi, and quality, mature writing, chances are you're going to love Mass Effect 2. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm looking to find or create a resonance with the right readers.
Oh, and I'll also add that it's my own presence in my writing that got me the job at NAG. And the gig here at MyGaming, for that matter. Of course I'm not everybody's thing at all, but for some people, that personality is entertaining. Anybody* can write up a bulleted list of game features and call it game journalism, but not everyone can describe their experience of a game and still sell it. I know I sell games, so it works for me, and it works for the readers who get me. I had a bit of fanmail in the latest NAG, and it makes a good example - that guy might've read loads of BioShock reviews, but he remembers mine.
You get fanmail?
All I ever get are Death Threats and Hatemail
FFS, I need to start Reviewing
On Topic though, the difference to a reader when reading a review written by a fan of a specific genre is fairly obvious, one can almost immediately tell when a RPG reveiwer is taking a look at a FPS title for example, which in most cases I've seen has lead to a half hearted review.
Hah! I would love some hate mail! (which I will get at some point I am sure). At points I fail miserably at being impartial.
I think it is a hard balancing act trying to be objective, creative, and original in an article like a review. Very curious now to see how I would handle it I must say.
Like you Tarryn I have had no real training. I just a strong love for words, ideas and the furthering my thought process. It also helps that often I have very strong opinions, while still remaining flexible, and that I put a lot of thought into them. Thing is, this is all new to me, you know putting my ideas out there for anyone to look at in an official capacity. I think this article has already achieved what I wanted it to do, and that I still have a LOT to learn.
Gah! Got a headache now... Always pestering me they are!!
Originally Posted by Azimuth
