Recently I have been pondering – what does it mean to be a critic / reviewer? How does one actually construct a sound, proper and sensible review? Seriously, it seems everyone, (and “Anonymous Internet Troll910922784”) has their own ideas about how games should be rated. Should the process be more factual, or should it be loaded with witty and creative opinions? What makes a good critic different from the scores of gushing fans and haters found in forums?
Let us start by looking at what a critic is. Basically, a critic is someone attributing value judgments to a subject (in this case a game). By that idea, one could assume that anyone is a critic. But what separates a well-known food “critic” from, say, a hungry bum on the street? Both could offer value judgments on food, but are they equal? I think not.
The difference, I believe, comes in various flavours, but the most important being knowledge, experience and inquisitive complex thinking. Sadly, I would say the industry is rather lacking in the last quality – complex thought.
Most people seem to think that personal taste, and therefore opinion, is the crux of reviewing in general. Yes, we all have opinions, and many of us abuse them with endless zeal, but, really, when you think about it, how often are we willing to encompass more than our own (usually) small views? Seldom, I would say.
Taking in ideas and opinions, most of us only acknowledge those opinions which match our own. Many gamers ferociously defend a specific platform, vehemently ignoring the plethora of possibilities, just because we are desperately trying to make our choice THE right choice. Or, how many times have we seen, or partaken in, “discussions” with (seldom) concealed agitation concerning the latest gaming buzz topics, only to practically ignore each other, leaving with the same limited ideas in our heads we came in with. Too often I say. Most, if not all of us, are guilty of this on different levels. What I am basically trying to say, is that relying heavily on one’s opinion is flawed, especially when being a critic.
I will say, however, that it is certainly not a crime to include opinion and flavour in a review – in fact I say it is essential. However, a review should never be based on those things alone. Rather see them as garnish, a stabilizing factor for readers to garner insight into a reviewer / critic’s thought process allowing, over time, the reader to relate better. But, should it be the crux of a review? Certainly not.
Another stumbling stone is polar thinking. Too many gamers see things as either black or white, which does not make for a good reviewer. They either love something totally, or they loathe with bile-filled rage the plastic disc it is printed on, with no shades of grey – not seeing the bigger picture.
The bigger picture comes into play with a fundamental knowledge of your product (games in this instance), and then being able to move your thinking down as many paths as possible (even ones that run in opposition to yours). Honestly, few people, let alone the average gamer, can achieve this.
What is really needed then to be a great critic? Well, I would say, above all, it is a mind that can shift and move down many tracts and engage with many ideas at one time. A mind that can superimpose its workings upon others, and derive understanding beyond its own scope. Only then can a good review be constructed.
To sum up, a review is not just an opinion. It should be a well thought out idea constituting a number of thought patterns, taking as many gamer’s preferences into account. The critics skew is always welcome, and prevents a review reading like a spreadsheet but, it is there to enhance, not hold it together.
Right now the industry is laden with hack-jobs, weak derivatives, and uninformed opinions. It is great that we all have opinions and ideas about games but, seriously, stop seeing your views as THE standard. If you can honestly say your mind is supple enough to delve down many paths of thinking, playing the devil’s advocate all the while, then go ahead, post your views.
To conclude, take what you read with a pinch of salt, even what I am writing here, and think for yourselves. Think before criticizing, and maybe one day the “critics” will do the same.
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