The sad state of video game review reception

Angelo writes for Player Attack: Last week saw the embargo expiration for Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End reviews. The internet was in a frenzy to gobble up what it could of Nathan Drake’s supposed final adventure, with all current reviews giving the game praise. However one review – in progress, no less – kicked the proverbial hornets’ nest and caused the internet’s ugly face to come out from under its bridge.

[Genuine-User]

I wholeheartedly condemn all of the vile noneness directed at Lucy O'Brien but we must hold reviewers to account for inconsistent standards.

That said, 8.8/10 is a great score.

[SlappingOysters]

Yeah Lucy does seem to cop it a lot, unfairly IMO.

[Eonjay]

No. IGN gets what they deserve. They wanted attention, and thats what they got.

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Unfairly?

What if I told you that she also gave LBP3 a low score because of bugs, and later it was discovered that she didn't have the day 1 patch installed?

Not only that, but also she has criticized other games for being racist, feminist, and jada jada. The worst thing to happen in this media was Anita and the PC community (not PC gamers). Reviewers should let all that shit out of reviews and/or podcast. No one cares about your point of view of things like that, we want an objective piece (What the game offers and what not) and a subjective piece (Did you like it? Is it fun?).

[jb227]

Justin Davis from IGN might have had a bit of a slip on the latest episode of Game Scoop, he literally said (I'm not making this up, I believe it was around the 8:40 mark, it's the latest episode & it is worth skipping to this remark because it caught me very off guard): http://youtu.be/Tp6Minr45tg

"I've only started the game, I'm not as far as Lucy got before she wrote her review"

I'm not sure how that can allude to anything other than the idea that she didn't actually finish the game before she reviewed it. We expect reviewers to actually finish shorter games like UC4...we aren't talking about dropping 400 hours into Fallout 4 here, we are talking about a narrative driven campaign that can be most likely sped through in a dozen hours, but it doesn't sound like she finished even that before she wrote her review. I'm not one for conspiracies or anything, but that wording seems pretty clear. If she had finished the game as we'd have expected her too, Justin wouldn't have even used her playthrough as a touch stone, he would've stopped at "I'm not too far into it"...the fact that he specifically said that he wasn't as far as Lucy when she wrote her review seems to fairly obviously point to the idea that she didn't even finish the game before she reviewed it, which would be utter garbage in this instance.

[UltraNova]

Based on her track record she is definitely allowing her personal views affect her work, I mean go read her Tomb Rider review then read Uncharted 4's. Plus I clearly remember the LBP3 patch incident. So she is inconsistent as well.

@ jb227

"I've only started the game, I'm not as far as Lucy got before she wrote her review"

If this is true and he actually slipped there, then if IGN has a shrivel of dignity left someone should do something about this.

That said how will IGN react if the multiplayer portion is also good? Lets not forget the 9s and 10s multiplayer only games received in the past and lets not also forget the score slamming some SP only games received.

Look I'm all for genuine opinions that might deviate from the general consensus, but only if they are genuine and not shaped by all the wrong reasons which in this case it may very well had been.

[freshslicepizza]

jim sterling touched on this years ago,

http://www.destructoid.com/...

sadly it looks like things are not gettting better this generation.

[URNightmare]

Why the f*** websites release "reviews in progress" and give a score??? That's the stupidest thing. Don't give a score to something you haven't fully experienced! That's her fault. They wanted attention and they got it.

[ginganinja]

@jb227
It can 'allude to', Justin saying he's played some of the game, but he's not far enough into to feel he can judge it fairly, unlike the reviewer who has played it, in depth, for a lot longer - and according to said review, completed it.
I.e. It's not a statement regarding the review, it's him excusing himself from giving a more thorough opinion because he doesn't feel he's played it enough, yet.

[NukaCola]

I really despise IGN and what they have become. I am so glad to have sailed the ship away with Kinda Funny.

8.8 is a great score, but they literally put minimal time into and this lady is a terrible writer.

Plus, the shear fact the game SEVERED such a low score with no justification is disgusting.

[UnwanteDreamz]

Other sites have posted lower scores. Did they all draw attention to their reviews by playing victim of the big bad internet? Some gamers have issues with the way people review games. Some people get worked up and act stupid online. Remind me how this is news to anyone? I have no issue with calling idiots out for their BS but lets not pretend a majority of gamers participate in this ridiculous crap. Millions are buying and playing UC4. What percentage do you think tweeted the reveiwer? What percentage actually comment on reviews they disagree with? I'm really tired of the media using the minority to judge us all. Last time I ever give playerattack a hit.

[donthate]

What seems to me is people up in arms anytime a PS4 exclusive game gets a bad review. Nobody would dare give Uncharted 4 a low score, and a low score is below a 9 amazingly. Sheeeezzz. It shows the rabbid fanboy nature. Last generation it was the Xbox 360, this generation it is the PS4.

[AndrewLB]

@NukeCola

Did you even read the article? She gave very specific reason why it was marked down.

"What lets it down, however, is an uninspired and overly long third act which slows down its pace considerably with curiously repetitive gameplay. Uncharted 4 consequently falls short of the greatness achieved by some of developer Naughty Dog’s leaner, more inventive predecessors."

[sliggio32]

Eonjay: Ign definitely does not need attention, they're doing just fine without it.

[WickedLester]

@Eonjay,

I agree 100%. It's one thing to have an opinion. It's quite another to just be purposely contrarian when it's SOOO obvious that this game is a 9+ or perhaps even a 10. There always has to be that one critic who MUST buck the trend to appear to be more insightful and level headed.

[Unspoken]

User reviews tell a different story. Sony must have paid some serious money to reviewers because this game is in no way perfect, and reviewers shouldn't be afraid of giving an honest review due to threats from the Internet mob. Definitely a sad state.

Allowing for no critism removes any need to improve. Games will stagnate because of it.

[UnHoly_One]

The only real negative thing she had to say about the game was about the final part of the game.

So why everyone is convinced she didn't even play the whole thing doesn't really make sense to me.

She had one negative thing to say about one part of the game, and gave it a great freaking score, I'm really confused as to why anyone is upset.

Is it just automatic that a Naughty Dog game gets 9+, or else everyone has to get hysterical about it?

What happens when TLOU 2 comes out? Anything less than a 9.5 is probably a biased piece of crap, right?

I just don't get it.

Let me ask this question. Do you think that even 1 single person anywhere in the world decided to NOT buy UC4 because 1 place gave it a "terrible" review score of 8.8???

I'm guessing the answer to that is no, so let's not get so worked up, eh?

[Xavy]

She clearly had an agenda, and it shows.

Its easy to attack gamers on how stupid they are jada jada, but people forget who is fueling this shit alover the place, Yes you guest it the gaming media, reviewers, consol wars all day everyday. You cant feed people bullshit and expect non of this bullshit to fall over you in the end.

When u as a reviewer dont give a honest opinion on a game, gamers will smell it and attack you. Nothing new here, she expected it because she knew what she was doing.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

@Xavy, I am curious...what was her agenda?

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

I mean look at this shit:

- ign sweeden 9/10
- ign denmark 10/10
- ign italy 9.4/10
- ign spain 9.6/10
- ign middle east 9.8/10

While...

- ign 'murica: 8.8/10 (not final) review in progress

How come the other IGNs published their scores the following day the embargo lifted in the morning, but IGN 'Murica is still in progress? It's obvious they are doing this for clicks, and it has worked.

There are over 15,000 comments already, add 15,000 more when she gives it a higher score because with a good serviceable MP it can only go higher right? Well this is the part where they rub their hands: People are confused about the score, while xbox fanboys and trolls have gone beyond madness ridiculing the game ignoring the "not final tag."

My problem is not with the review itself... I'm disgusted by what IGN has become: flaming wars and doing this Review in progress all to get extra clicks. Many were already smelling the BS of this new plan: "Oh I can imagine how many comments the review will get when they give it a low score as no final." Whatever final score the game gets, the damage has been done. And they think they do this for good when they don't.

[Vegamyster]

@Xavy

"When u as a reviewer dont give a honest opinion on a game, gamers will smell it and attack you."

Except Eurogamer had very similar criticism but didn't receive the same amount of flak because they don't use review scores. IGN gave it a 8.8 for the SP but it wasn't final because she didn't have enough time with the MP. Here's a quote from the end of the review:

"Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a remarkable achievement in blockbuster storytelling and graphical beauty. Though it’s let down by a lack of imagination and some self-indulgence, especially in a third act that drags on far too long, Uncharted 4 carries on the series’ proud tradition of peerless polish and style. Most importantly, it’s a gentle sendoff to the rag-tag group of characters we’ve known for nine years. A worthy thief’s end, indeed."

How is this not "honest" coming from people who haven't touched the game yet & in what way does it sound bad? Like i mentioned with Eurogamer, she wasn't the only one who found the game a grind at times. Now is this me defending IGN like some other user told me in a different article? Nope, my favorite reviewers are ACG, Eldergeek & neither of them use review scores, IGN, Gamespot and many other big ones typically have weaker reviews in my opinion. I'm just wondering why a high number score like 8.8 = horrible but reviews that paint a perfect picture of a game are great despite being just as vague. Personally I've never really cared for scores and for the sake of argument if UC4 averaged a 75 I'd still be looking forward to it because it looks like fun and that's what matters.

Edit: You know, i'd like at least one person to give me a counter argument rather then just down vote me lol.

[miyamoto]

Uncharted 3 got a 10/10 from IGN Murica and Uncharted 4 an 8.8/10?
Yeah right

Lucy's 8.8 is clearly meant to get the clicks for IGN.

[Vegamyster]

@miyamoto

UC3 was reviewed by Greg Miller, not Lucy.

[Lamboomington]

@miyamoto

"Uncharted 3 got a 10/10 from IGN Murica and Uncharted 4 an 8.8/10?
Yeah right

Lucy's 8.8 is clearly meant to get the clicks for IGN."

Come on man, that's just incredibly stupid. I mean, like gobsmacking levels of stupidity. How did you come to that conclusion ? wow, I really don't know what to say to that. :/

Have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe, she like Uncharted 3 at the time more than Uncharted 4 ? I know that it's incredibly far fetched, and the broader concept is unfamiliar to many on this site, but have you ever considered it ?
Was it even the same reviewer ? Please tell me, because if it wasn't the same reviewer, your statement makes even less sense.

People will find some reason or the other to accuse a lower score of clickbait and whatnot. It's the same with every popular game. It's always the same thing, whether it's Uncharted 4 or Batman Arkham Knight or The Order 1886.

[Aither]

Like it or not IGN is a big name gaming review site. The fact that she gives out inconsistent scores is merit for complaint among gamers. The same complaints would be said even if this was a male reviewer that gave inconsistent scores like Lucy does, and bringing your ideology to your work place is unprofessional which is why both IGN and Lucy O'Brien are being criticized for giving her one of the biggest games of the year to review.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Noted and I would like to think the same complaints would be said of a male reviewer in a similar circumstance. So... I openly wonder if Jim Sterling is seeing as much or more aggressive commentary for giving the game an 85?

[Aloy-Boyfriend]

Dlacy

apparently not because he gave RoTR the same score as U4. Maybe this genre is not his cup of tea. At least he is not bringing genres to his reviews

[GamingIVfun]

@Dlacy13g

The complaints about inconsistencies in the way games are reviewed by her and IGN US. I don't think many people think Jim Sterling is inconsistent in the way he reviews games. I don't see him as a person that does things for cheap hits. I think IGN US does it quite often.

[rainslacker]

I didn't even know the reviewer was a woman. Don't follow reviewers or anything to know their preferences. Just seemed odd to do a review in progress, and one of the reasons for not rating it at a final score was because they hadn't played the MP portion.

When I see review in progress i think, "First impression" review, and it's mostly worthless.

I don't think the score was low or bad or anything like that, it just seems like a slipshod way for IGN to publish a review score, regardless of who the reviewer is. If they wanted to do a first impression review, then they shouldn't have assigned a score.

If I came onto any forum and said I played the few hours of any popular game, said it wasn't very good, but would give another review later, I'm sure I would receive much of the same criticism. Hell, we see this all the time from people who never even play the game, but go on to say it's not very good, or their statements are not consistent with the common consensus. Generally, if someone is respectful and detailed in why they don't like something, but can understand why others would, they're left alone, or the actual topic is discussed further until the fan boys do take control of any discourse...but that's a different issue IMO.

[joab777]

This has nothing to do with anything but the inconsistency of IGN reviews. It's absurd. We all know that U4 is one of the best games to come out in some time, and it gets an 8.8? C'mon. Even every other IGN gave it 10's.

[nosferatuzodd]

I agree i've bin watching this woman tearing down video games for months now she's not a very good reviewer

[kenwonobi]

The reviews there have gone down hill severely since Colin left. He was the only balance towards the other Microsoft leaning side of their reviews. Now they have no balance. Complete agenda laden propaganda website. This is the problem with reviewers. Not fans. The reviewers are now fanboys, bought off, feminists, political sides with a pulpit to voice their opinions now. It's never just a honest review anymore at some sites.

[WickedLester]

Not for Uncharted 4. 8.8 is an insult to that game.

[Aceman18]

Wtf would I give two sh*ts what reviewers thinks about a game (s) in series that I love, or for that matter any game that interest me when it's my hard earned money I'm spending on it?

People should stop giving these people any type of weight.

[senorfartcushion]

You can't GET inconistent standards when it comes to subjective opinions.

THAT'S NOT HOW PEOPLE WORK!

[OB1Biker]

'What lets it down, however, is an uninspired and overly long third act which slows down its pace considerably with curiously repetitive gameplay.'
And as a result:
' Uncharted 4 consequently falls short of the greatness achieved by some of developer Naughty Dog’s leaner, more inventive predecessors.'
The score is not a problem. It's the reason she gives that sounds weird : too long 3rd act = Uncharted 4 not great
If that makes sense to you then it's fine but no need calling 'the Internet ugly face' gamers who don't get her reasoning.
As long as criticism remains polite that's everyone right to question reviews.

[DragonDDark]

And that chapter is only 1 one out of 22 lol

And it's only early in the game. I personally liked it.

[OB1Biker]

Yea actually I found it very short and I enjoyed it too.
Moreover it looks great and fits completely in the narrative showing Nate s life.
After I was like ' oh it was that one??? Wtf? Haha'

[Vegamyster]

" too long 3rd act = Uncharted 4 not great "

How do you come to that conclusion? She said the game was great but didn't like the overly long 3rd act lol.

[OB1Biker]

Come on didn't you read? She clearly says because of this the game 'falls short of the greatness achieved by some of developer Naughty Dog’s leaner, more inventive predecessors.'
Uncharted 3 was very slow to start and I personally found a bit boring the stealth museum act at the beginning of Uncharted 2 but both were great games.
She even start her review saying this 'overly long third act ' is why the game falls short. That's not even logical.
It's basically 'too much game: -1, IGN'

[Vegamyster]

@OB1Biker

Yes i did read, she says nowhere that the game isn't great, saying a game isn't as good as it's predecessors is not the same thing.

"8.0-8.9 - Great

These games leave us with something outstanding to remember them by, usually novel gameplay ideas for single-player or multiplayer, clever characters and writing, noteworthy graphics and sound, or some combination thereof. If we have major complaints, there are more than enough excellent qualities to cancel them out. "

http://ca.ign.com/wikis/ign...

[OB1Biker]

Yea she s clearly saying it's not as great as the previous games and like I said the previous games were not perfect either.
So it is : 'too long 3rd act = not that great' is a correct way to report what she's saying. You know 'not so great' or whatever you want to call it is not the point but the reason she gives for that negative comparison vs older games and what you point out makes it sound even worse. Heck is she saying uncharted 3 was better because of ONE slow chapter in Uncharted 4? Come on

[Vegamyster]

I agree the previous games had some pacing annoyances but i haven't played/beat this game and i assumed you haven't either since it just came out today unless your store shipped them out early by mistake ect, so really we don't know how it fairs to the previous games in this regard ourselves. She also didn't review the previous games, those were done by Chris Roper (UC2) & Greg Miller (UC1/3) who thought UC3 was perfect.

[spicelicka]

I could literally break every review down like that for inconsistencies. It's a far reach.

[kenwonobi]

1 out of 22 acts too long. Minus .2 for Tomb Raider reasons...... Let's just be glad it wasn't shorter than Tomb Raider. Then the reason would be minus 1.5 points because not as long as Tomb Raider.

[Pongwater]

It's not "video game review reception". It's humans on the internet.

[Christopher]

The people who disagree are people who don't want to admit the increased openness to hostility/negativity towards others online merely for the difference of an opinion.

[ILostMyMind]

I think the problem was not she have given note 8 to Uncharted4 but she have given a smaller note that Tomb Raider. I did not play any of the two games but played the previous and unless the ND has done a lot of shit, which she says did not happen, U4 should have a higher score. Either that or she's definitely not meant to be a revewer. In any case, she gives opinions to the people. She should learn to accept them as well.

[garrettbobbyferguson]

"The problem is she gave the game I like a lower review score than another game that I don't like"

Quality people you lot are.

@Superchiller

You would be defending someone who has an opinion like this, lmao.

[superchiller]

Maybe English is not his first language? Don't be so quick to condemn.

[DarXyde]

It's blowing my mind and I find it hilarious that people can't accept an 8.8/10. When has that ever been a bad score? No, really, when has that ever been a bad score?

People need to stop acting like such rabid, sorry excuses for gamers. Not every opinion is going to be 9+. The Last of Us, the most awarded game of all time until very recently, got scores lower than Uncharted 4. What's more, people are always saying, "reviews don't matter!" and now when a reviewer from a big website gives it something ever so slightly lower than a 9/10 (2 percentage points, people. TWO. POINTS.) they're calling for O'Brien's head.

That's censoring opinions, people. It's not even like she said anything bad. It sounds like she very much enjoyed the game.

People are truly unbelievable. the Xbox fans played Quantum Break and politely disagreed with the reviews. What on earth is going on with PlayStation Nation?

I love PlayStation, but it's this type of behavior that makes me ashamed to associate with the lot of them. If this starts Facebook trending, that deserves some shame and I actually hope the Xbox crowd calls you lot out for it. It'd be pretty amusing and well-deserved.

PS, I acknowledge your disagrees and general dissatisfaction with my take. Frankly, I stand by it and could only care less by not acknowledging the disagrees. Face it, people are being absolute children about this.

[UltraNova]

@darxyde

"I love PlayStation, but it's this type of behavior that makes me ashamed to associate with the lot of them. If this starts Facebook trending, that deserves some shame and I actually hope the Xbox crowd calls you lot out for it. It'd be pretty amusing and well-deserved. "

That ^^ right there discredited your whole argument and earned you those disagrees, simply because you where promoting fanboy wars (pitting xbox against PS fans).

As for the review, its clear that the issue here is not the score (8.8 is a great score after-all), but this particular reviewers' inconsistent past(LBP3 incident), strong political views that affect her work (worst thing to allow in your work, especially in journalism) and IGN's recent click bait, flame war direction and general degeneration that let to this fan uproar.

So please try looking at things more spherically.

[GrubsterBeater]

@DarXyde

"the Xbox fans played Quantum Break and politely disagreed with the reviews. What on earth is going on with PlayStation Nation? "

Uhhh, no.. they flipped out and made it seem like reviewers giving low scores had invalid opinions, and flew off the handle with name- calling, rabid fanboyism, and an army like defense force. I don't know what comments you were reading. Lol

[MasterCornholio]

@DarXyde

"the Xbox fans played Quantum Break and politely disagreed with the reviews. What on earth is going on with PlayStation Nation? "

No they didn't. Didn't you see the posts that Rookie made where he manipulated review scores to make the game look better?

[DarXyde]

UltraNova and Mastercornholio,

As far as these comments sections go, I really do respect you two. I'll address your points individually.

UltraNova,

People will always disagree, especially in an article where people are irate with the content. That's not my concern. As far as putting them against each other, I think they do that enough on their own. One game gets criticized, the other goes into defense mode and talks about the other's games, assuming they're single platform gamers, etc. For example, if someone brings up Quantum Break being a letdown, the other goes into defense mode and said it's still better than The Order, and it snowballs from there. What I'm saying is once the natural process starts happening, it will be well deserved. Pitting them against each other? Not at all. It would happen with or without my endorsement, trust me. The consistency of her reviews are one issue, but it looks more like civil war. People are apparently upset for different reasons. You say it's the inconsistency on a political level (in which case, I wholeheartedly agree with you), but I'm also seeing people complain about how the other IGN reviewers have given the game better scores. It's like they're expecting conformity to the higher end scores. Her review is a bit on the lower side, but that's assuming the multiplayer doesn't increase it. The review isn't even done yet and people are up in arms. What does that say? It's frankly embarrassing.

MasterCornholio,

What else is new with Rookie_Monster? Here's the thing though: in either case, manipulation is not necessary. I think people look at review scores in a different light from me. Look at the means, not the individual scores. Quantum Break's aggregate score is perfect because it says, "this game really isn't for everyone". And how very true that is. Uncharted 4 basically says, "this game is incredible. Must buy". They're not even comparable. I simply don't see how Lucy O'Brien's score takes away from that at all for some people.

As for the flipping out,I didn't see that here, nor did I see any articles like this where people are livid with the defense of other scores.

If I missed it, I stand corrected. You gents are still great and I.appreciate the civil replies. Game is out now. Looking forward to your personal impressions as I'll be sharing mine once it arrives later. :0)

[Christopher]

@DarXyde: The xbox furor was there, only there are how many more people on PS4 than XBO? So, obviously the more populated platform will have a higher number, but likely similar percentage to the whole, of 'loud' and 'irate' people.

[Tobsesan]

Its her opinion, of course she can say Tomb Raider is better.

[Imalwaysright]

Yes, god forbid that someone may actually enjoy TR more than Uncharted.

[Christopher]

Wait, I can't like Tomb Raider (2013) more than Uncharted? Why didn't I get the memo?!?!

[kenwonobi]

This is why she shouldn't review games. "It's too long"usually isn't a criticism these days. Good games are usually criticized for being too short. You don't ever see people saying, "that really great game was too long". Especially a campaign driven game.

[Christopher]

I disagree when it's a story-driven game like Uncharted games. When you stick to a certain area of the story for too long, I could definitely see it as having 'dragged on' instead of keeping the same pace as the other areas of the game. Adding 'filler' time in a game doesn't denote quality, just time.

[Tankbusta40]

People simply don't like certain reviewers, it's their right to express these opinions

[Lamboomington]

Doesn't mean they should start making stupid statements like "This review is 8.8 just for clickbait", because that's silly. That's not valid criticism, that's just throwing accusations.

[Tankbusta40]

I hate to break it to you, but clicks are what fuel money to these gaming sites. It isn't out of the realm of possibility for gaming sites to set an agenda for clicks. Most other sites rated this 9 or higher before the IGN review was put up. Its entirely conceivable that they gave it an 8.8 knowing they are one of the biggest sites and one of the most widely viewed as a corrupt site. Go search ign memes everyone is about them accepting money to rate call of duty a 9.5 each year

[spicelicka]

And other have the right to criticize those opinions the same way. I don't think the argument was ever about rights.

[Tankbusta40]

This article was only written because the reviewer was a woman and the internet has a seriously messed up case of White Knight defense. EVERY SINGLE IGN review is bashed in the comment section. All the reviewers are mocked for accepting money etc. NOBODY writes these articles when that happens to men.

[daynnight365]

Oh yeah. I especially like it when they do a review on a game without playing it all the way through first

[Fist4achin]

I hardly doubt her review is going to affect ND as they carry their sacks of money to the bank nor the happy gamers as they rip through a new installment of one of their favorite series. Everyone quit griping and get to some gaming!

[DarXyde]

It's not that I take issue with her score. An 8.8/10 translates to a 88% or 4.4/5. That's still a great score and I certainly see elements of entitlement in gamers who wanted it to do better. It still has a 94% on Metacritic. And actually, if you crunch the numbers and reevaluate the mean score with IGN giving the game a 10/10, the final score is still 94. Indeed, if you average all 75 scores (at the time of me writing this) and add in IGN's 8.8/10 as 88, the score is still a 94. Likewise, if you increase the score to a 10/10 or 100, the score is still a 94. It literally doesn't matter, and frankly, I think people are just upset because a big name website that just about every gamer knows gave it a lower score than Rise of the Tomb Raider. Considering PS4 is getting both games, it's hardly any form of loss at all to the interested consumer and it's just one opinion.

My issue with O'Brien's review is that she released it before they were ready to release it, probably with the intention of being one of the first reviewers. That's my issue. Everyone else is going on this feminazi tirade. You want to know who agrees with you? Look at comments here: http://www.ign.com/boards/t...

"Women have no place in gaming journalism"? For God's sake, you guys.

Maybe O'Brien is biased. Actually, she is. Everyone is. And if you say otherwise, you're a liar.The game has received universal positive acclaim, so this doesn't matter much at all. 8.8/10 is a great score and an aggregate score of 94% is outstanding. It's a must-buy and that's the takeaway. Instead of worrying about O'Brien's opinion, you should be ecstatic that it received a perfect score from Gamespot. GAMESPOT. That's where the real acclaim comes from.

Stop the madness and just play the game. Play the very highly rated, very well received, very much loved, excellently written narrative of Uncharted 4. She's one person and people have rated it lower. O'Brien might be a hard-ass, but she's just giving her opinion, as reviewers are ones to do.

[jb227]

You make some solid points. The people going overboard with this are obviously in the wrong, but maybe strong passionate reactions will fix IGN's review method. Obviously doesn't excuse anyone making hurtful comments to another human being over a video game though.

I think IGN's review system has become an issue though. I mentioned in a comment up there that Justin Davis let it slip that Lucy may not have even actually finished or had the chance to finish UC4 before she wrote her review. Maybe it was out of her own personally apathy towards the title, or maybe she was on a tight deadline & simply didn't have the chance to finish before she had to write up her review. Either way it's kind of unacceptable. The score doesn't bother me really because 8.8 is respectable as one persons opinion, but it seems pretty clear that that score might be pulled out of thin air & not necessarily one that Lucy even assigned to the game herself.

I have a feeling there are going to be some bad trends brought to light in regards to gaming journalism & reviews soon. Across the board of journalism the entire blood in the water angle of needing to be the first to report something to get clicks leads to a lot of mistakes that can potentially have disastrous repercussions on people, and it is something that needs to stop. Journalism was built on fact checking, sources, honesty & integrity. If you are publishing anything to a wide audience, it is your duty to take time for due diligence.

[mikepattonfan]

removed comment, can't delete for some reason.

[OB1Biker]

It's not about the score and I personally don't believe in reviews. The thing is gaming journalism nowadays make a livelihood basically from the readers and they are like : 'how dare they giving bad feedback about our job?'
This article title goes ' the sad state of video game reception' and we see a few condemning gaming community for a number of reasons. Sure the Internet is what it is and you can't prevent idiots from being disrespectful. But I wish there were more article actually putting in the lime light 'the sad state of GAMING JOURNALISM'.
Recently video gamer published a sarcastic 'apology to gamers' and on the reaction I read it seems many don't realise how arrogant gaming journalists have become.
Instead of taking on board feedback and criticism they hide behind the 'it's my opinion and I share it' attitude and either play victims or deny the readers the right to disagree basically.

[Silly gameAr]

Gotta bring something negative one way or the other.

[Valenka]

It's perfectly fine to have an opinion that differs from the general consensus, but when your opinion is completely fabricated just to stand out and garner attention, it's just pathetic.

[DragonDDark]

This.

[Xavy]

and the slack she gets becomes justified.

You want to stand out by trying so hart to find something to complain about, you will get attacked.
You want cheap clicks, you will get attacked

etc etc.

Her rep is on the line, and she knows it. But clicks are more importen nowadays.

[Valenka]

To be honest, I care little about the people behind the review. I don't read reviews for games I enjoy because I know my enjoyment is guaranteed. I don't really know how to explain it, but there are just things I know for a fact that I will love and Uncharted is one of them. I don't expect perfect reviews for even the most hyped game because there will always be something that annoys someone. Uncharted annoys me sometimes because of the bullet-sponge enemies, but that doesn't drastically decrease the score I'd give it because my frustration ends the moment I've finished the shootout segment.

However, IGN's "review in progress" (crock of crap if you ask me) was just horrendous. I have nothing against people who have differing opinions, obviously, but that was just painful to read.

[Lamboomington]

And who decides whether my opinion on a game is fabricated or genuine ? That's kind of the problem here.

Gamers see a lower score for a game they like, and immediately start saying what you're saying, which is essentially, "CLICKBAIT!" (you didn't really say that but you see what I'm getting at). It's what you see at n4g all the time, in the highest rated comments. It's utterly pathetic. Reviewers give valid criticisms, that you may not agree with personally, but apparently that makes them clickbait.

That's bullshit, it shouldn't be happening. It's funny, because all I see is people continuously doing that. If a review score is lower than usual and it's a popular game. The site is "clickbaiting" or "trying so hard to find reasons to complain" or "being a PS or XBOX fanboy"

@Xavy
you've apparently decided that she was indeed doing this for clicks? The 8.8 review could just be her honest opinion on the game, but no, she obviously did it for clicks, right ?
"You want to stand out by trying so hart to find something to complain about, you will get attacked."
Or maybe she was just finding genuine problems that she had with the game ? but no, ofcourse not, everyone is just going to assume that it was for clicks, and nothing else.

She thought the game had pacing issues and didn't live up to previous ND games. Why is that so hard to believe? Why is that not a 100% valid criticism from her point of view ? but no, it's obviously clickbait, correct ?
Damned if they do, damned if they don't. They cannot post an unpopular review score without being called out for clickbaiting and shilling.

[gangsta_red]

Well said Lamboomington, over reaction of fanboys desperately trying hard to defend their game of choice is all that is happening here. Why the outrage exactly, she gave the game a good score...was it because she didn't give it a perfect ten and fondle it's family jewels in the process?

I'll never understand the go to line of "media is biased" or "that person has an agenda", what could possibly be gained by purposely crapping on a game, which by the way she was not doing.

Reminds me of the reviews for The Order and how everyone was saying the media was biased even went so far as to say (and fight) that review scores should be banned. Actual articles were submitted suggesting that numbered scores should be abolished. But literally a month later when Bloodborn dropped all that was forgotten, the media was forgiven and everyone celebrated the great scores that game received.

You have to take reviews as opinions and stick to review sites or reviewers that you trust. I like the reviews Redlettermedia does and I disagree with them often. What I don't do is post how I hate them or try and get them banned or some other stupid shit.

[Valenka]

I'm not saying that you're wrong, because that is a very valid point, but IGN have done things like this in the past, so it's a matter of their reputation. Like I said, I don't particularly care about the people behind the review. Obviously, they have a right to their opinion, but it isn't the first time I've seen this happen on IGN. I am very much enjoying the game so far and that's all I care about.

[leemo19]

Its not like she gave it a 7, than I could understand why people would be upset, but 8 is still good.

[S2Killinit]

Its not the score that's upsetting people. Its the "review in progress" scheme. Its another of IGN's dirty tricks.

[goldwyncq]

I think this encapsulates the situation perfectly

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/...

[Rude-ro]

Did you know ign's original name was teamxbox? True story.

[S2Killinit]

Really? That would explain a lot.

[wenaldy]

Wrong, IGN acquired teamxbox on 2003 and merged them into one entity. IGN itself has been around since 1998.

[sangoku_d]

they acquired cancer and it metastasized

[Christopher]

This is false. Worked for IGN back in the early days before teamxbox acquisition.

[Lord_of_Cinder]

Uncharted 4 is a critically acclaimed masterpiece and as Digital Foundry mentions, the best game in any platform right now.

That's all I care. Is obvious that a game like this will make the trolls rise and will make envy consume some others.

Always happen when Naughty Dog raise the bar in the industry with a new game. Enjoy the game. It is the best game of this generation.

[crazyboom]

This

[garrettbobbyferguson]

"All I care is that this one guy said it's a masterpiece therefore anyone who says otherwise is completely wrong lalalalala"

Why do you bother posting this on n4g? Why not just say in your room and say it?

[gamer7804]

my word people, its an opinion.... just like movie reviews, not all are going to agree. Take from each what you will. No reason to land blast someone for scoring it slightly less than you would have. It doesn't matter what others review it as.

[S2Killinit]

Yeah but IGN's opinion smells like bias aka "pay me more or I'll hurt your initial sales with my 'review in progress'" I believe they did this with TLOU if im not mistaken. I never played the newest tomb raider but they gave that a 9.3, and UC4 a 8.8 which doesnt seem right to me if prior games are any indication. Furthermore, having watched IGN's channel for a long time, I must say IGN DOES have this THING with anything Playstation. They really do, there is a common theme and no its not a consoiracy theory. When it comes to important games/devices, IGN reviews for playstation branded stuff is VERY critical (they analyse the shit out of it) its like they are delibrately trying to rain on your parade for a game you've been excited for, but when it comes to Xbox branded stuff they are very positive, almost borderline advertising the item/game. This is something I've noticed to be truth. Take as you will.

I wish someone would create a montage of this double treatment, it would make an interesting watch to see it side by side.

[oasdada]

True.. naomi kyle talks lot of shit against playstation too.. and a few weeks ago almost for a week straight ps4k was mentioned in dailyfix so no one could forget, how ever I havent seen any news on xb1.5 on the fix

[S2Killinit]

@oasdada
That is exactly what I'm talking about. I was very surprised when I downloaded the IGN app on my PS4. I was like, wait why is this application working so hard to convince you that Sony is just no good? I swear its so obvious in their choice of words, their tone, and then when I watch the xbox channel... none of that exists. Its all rosy and exciting. It made me wonder why Sony would even allow them to be downloaded by PS4 users if they are working against their interests.

[fanboysmackdown]

So many crybabies who play games and when their games don't get the score they'd give it themselves they throw their soother and sit in a corner and suck their thumb.......that is after they've exhausted their tears and lungs from a long tiraded tantrum. Everyone has their own tastes, likes and dislikes and if the whiners out there can't handle it.....go suck your thumb.

[game4funz]

I'm not sure if the article is click bait or not so I won't click just in case.

But I gather from the comments that there was a lower then 9/10 score given to uncharted....not sure what the big deal is if that's the case.

What's one review gonna do.
Everyone will be playing tomorrow so the review won't matter.

[S2Killinit]

I didnt click for the same reason. But just so you know people are upset about the "review in progress" scheme. Its a way for IGN to solicit more advertising money from developers because with the review in progress scheme IGN can hurt a game's initial sales and not even have it effect their track record because they can always come back and change it in the future. I believe they did this with TLOU if im not mistaken.

[game4funz]

Another reason to freaking hate reviews and review sites added to my list.

[Legacy212]

Oh boy, I think the Internet reactions to review scores are so crazy. Leave the poor girl alone. If she thinks the campaign is an 8.8 then to her it's an 8.8. I got my copy of uncharted 4 on Saturday and as I write this I am watching the credits roll. If you dont believe me feel free to PM me and ask for spoilers to confirm. To me Uncharted 4 was an amazing experience. The characters are so well developed, the story is personal and the scenery is breath taking. There are moments when you cant help but have a giant smile on your face when playing. However In her defense, I can see where she is coming from when she talks about the pacing of the third act. People need to understand that third act DOES NOT MEAN THIRD CHAPTER! The pacing in the later chapters near the end of the game at moments drag. I am not going to give examples cuz I don't want to spoil the game for anyone. I MO the best naughty dog game was the last of us. Not to take away from uncharted but last of us was just more gripping of a story for me. On the Internet if you don't act like uncharted is the perfect game then you are automatically hated on and it really makes us gamers look bad.

[iistuii]

How many crates did you push & pull in the entire game ? I hear there's too many, that's another complaint about the game, I've already pushed a few & im near the beginning..

[Legacy212]

Oh boy lmao I lost count a long time ago

[opinionated]

There is really someone who is pissed because "she gave it an 8.8 to be interesting". I loled. I know I will share her sentiment. I'm dreading the last of us paced gameplay and story. At least it's legitimate concerns, I didn't see feminism or any other useless propaganda. My review of her review is: it's ok, stop being butthurt it didn't get a 9

[jorellpogi]

The problem is Lucy made a review when she did not even finished the game. Moreover, the "review in progress" with a score of 8.8 is purely gimmickry and for clickbait!

I believe Lucy is in the sky with diamonds!

[Rebel_Scum]

This is retarded. People getting upset over review scores? Are we that unaccepting of other peoples opinions?

And since when have we "expected" reviewers to finish a game before giving a review? Ridiculous.

[S2Killinit]

We arent upset about the score per se. IGN can go to hell with their scores. What is rubbing people the wrong way is the "review in progress" scheme. It seems people have finally caught up to IGN's agendas. (If you like to know more refer to my comment above).

[Rebel_Scum]

Hard to see your comment in amongst this rabble lol. But most comments here seem to be complaining about the meaningless review score as far as I can see.

[S2Killinit]

Long story short, IGN can change their score, and most games make the majority of their money during the "launch window", you know the first few weeks to maybe a month. If IGN can switch their scores, they can pick and choose which games they would like to hurt, without injuring IGN's own reputation because they can later go and change their score to a more appropriate one once the damage is done. This is just a scheme to have that little bit of even more leverage over game developers to extract more advertising money from them in exchange for a good "initial review score". These practices are counter productive to gamers because it means developers have to spend a larger % of their budget on paying for advertising instead of using it on the game itself.

[moegooner88]

I couldn't take her seriously anymore after reading her Heavy Rain PS4 review. She came off as utterly clueless.

[nosferatuzodd]

Well said same thing I said brother

[S2Killinit]

It gives IGN the leverage they need to hold a startegic leverage over game developers without IGN having to worry about being held accountable in the future when people look at their track record. Ex. Give a game a bad score at launch if they havent paid for enough advertising, then once the damage to game's sales is done with, IGN corrects the score. That way, in the future we cant look up their track record and ask, "hey why did you give such and such to this or that game?"

Having said that, didnt IGN give UC4 its lowest score?

[Inzo]

This article shows a few tweets that attacks O'Brian directly which is despicable but from what I have read from across the Internet is, that allot of people were actually unhappy, not because she gave the game an 8.8 (which is a great score) but because she scored a game while her review was in progress. Nevertheless the gaming community can be disgusting and some of the tweets I read directed at O'Brian makes me embarrassed to be part of it.

[SynestheticRoar]

Lucy and all of IGN can go in peace..............:)......... ..... after they click on des nuts.

[ALowlyRock]

It's an 8.8... Even with everyone's ridiculously inflated review scores these days that's still good. C'mon, people. A score lower than 10 won't kill you. I promise.

[Petebloodyonion]

I'll be honest to say that I have lost faith in general reviews except my own and some community web site.
And you have to wonder if the score would have been the same if it was a Ubisoft game or a Sega game.

More and more game are reviewed on expectations and hype opposed to standard established Criteria
I'm sure that Uncharted 4 is a tremendous game but I do sense that a lot of 10 are given because everyone want and expect this game to be a 10.

Honestly Go read the review of popular game like Far cry Primal and others and you will read that the reasons why the score are getting lowered into 8/10 are exactly the sames flaws that are present in reviews of Uncharted 4.

Heck MGS5 got a 10 from major websites? I enjoyed the game (love the idea of invading FOB) but honestly would this game score a 10 if it would have been made by Suda51 instead of Kojima? how many time Did I had to Fulton prisoner X as a mission, blow the tank route, retrieve the document in the same stronghold?
For a sandbox game, the map offered me as much optional mission as No more heroes 1.
And Alien Isolation was slammed because it was dragging?

Should we also discuss Bayonetta2? the " Essential" game of the Wii2 that didn't won game of the year but even worse didn't even won Wiiu game of that year (that went to Mario Kart 8).

And like I said, how about some regularity?
what are the main complaints toward game like Call of Duty and Halo? a serviceable short single player for games that primary focus on multiplayer.
Yet all review seem to agree that Uc4 multyplayer is okay but far from great. So how come score doesn't reflect that in the overall score?

In the end I feel more and more that reviewer are like wine expert, exchange the wine and suddenly the bad wine taste great because i'ts from a supposed renown expensive bottle.

[iistuii]

Video gamer gave it an 8 & posted a sarcastic apology, good on them, it's a review, an opinion, people need to get a life.

[Germany7]

People are tired of this woman only pushing the feminist agenda everytime, not just with this review, she prefers that than talking about games.
Plain and simple, but of course everyone from the media will pretend that she is the victim against the "evil white male gamers".

[Kornholic]

More like the sad state of video game review clickbaiting.

[TyrantSoul]

I'm sorry but when the hell did 8.8 equals a bad score?She gave her reasons as to why it was an 8.8 and they all seemed perfectly valid.She also stated that while she had some issues she really liked the game.It seems like gaming sites are quickly becoming cesspools of hate and to be honest n4g seems to feed on it.Clickbait after clickbait.Even somewhat snide ones like the recent "Nx announced and I dont care" nonsense.

As for the Uncharted series,I'm not a fan to be honest but I do like Naughty Dog and wish them all the best with UC4 and I hope its the game the fans have been waiting for.

[Hurfs]

Wow, what an over reaction by some people. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End has 94 on Metascore as I type this! So all this for .6 (sad really).

[airforcex]

The problem with game reviews these days are you guys, expecting 9+ for all AAA games just because you think they deserve 9+. I'm hoping the 8.8 score sticks because 8.8 means it's a GREAT game. Hype and "big name" should not matter on scores.

[CJQNSNYC]

Apparently having an opinion that doesn't match a large consensus of other opinions is unacceptable.

[Max-Zorin]

All this over an opinion. She was better off disturbing a Japanese hornets nest. Gamers are crazy as hell.

[kevinsheeks]

Very insulting to the hornets

[joedom]

Everyone needs to get their heads out of the arses. 8.8 is a fantastic score for any game; it's barely outside of what everyone else is giving the game.

If you disagree with someone's opinion, then fine. The internet is not a bloody hivemind when it comes to games like Uncharted 4 and not everyone is going to agree with each other. I'd prefer someone giving a overhyped game a score that's slightly below the average score that it's been receiving than everyone just salivating excessively over a game and making idiots of themselves. Remember the time when Arkham City was getting 6/5 and 11/10? They look more stupid than anyone who might've given an 8, but they probably got a lot less hate for it at the time.

If you're rude to someone because they have a different opinion (let me stress that word right there) to you, then you shouldn't waste everyone's time by kicking up a fuss. Just buy whatever you like and leave review reading to those who are rational enough to listen to someone else's thoughts with having a hissy fit and throwing all their toys out of the pram.

[CJQNSNYC]

As you might have noticed, being sensible or reasonable is just as unacceptable as having your own opinion. If your opinion isn't in sync with popular opinion, clearly something must be wrong with you.

Imagine that?

[Sirk7x]

Dear Lords! The realization that reviewers are human beings with their own opinions! Like an 88/100 is a bad score...I'm sure there's someone out there who has played U4 and absolutely hated it, and has every right to.

[MrsNesbitt]

What's happened?

[Ken85]

Its just 1 review score...who cares? I swear some people on here love feeling insulted.

[Theparanerds]

Here's how to read a review "Hmm. That's interesting" And move on you wieners

[GordyNYC]

Rise of the tomb raider gets a 9.3 from her? Currently playing it on PC and its not a 9.3, Its more of an 8.5.

[the_mack_attack3]

I don't think reviews from big sites are viable anymore. I tend to follow smaller independent sites that push out reviews that are honest and from the heart.

[wheresmymonkey]

Its pretty, But the story is the weakest in the series by a country mile. Sam is a pointless character and the whole thing would be better if they just ditched that annoying retconing opening at the orphange and just replaced Sam with Sully in all of the bits afterwards.

I haven't reviewed it, but if i did it would get an 8.there, i said it. It's good, but it never hits the heights of Among Thieves.

[Surt]

So she likes the game with a female lead better than the one with a male lead. Bias? probably. But who gives a shit. You take her review with a grain of salt cause of that and move on. Getting uncharted 4 this week and I know I won't be disappointed.

[Imalwaysright]

Such outrage for an 8.8 score wich is a really good score. Agenda, you guys say... can't wait to see what you guys will say when quarter to three gives Uncharted a 3 or 4 out of 10.

[MilkMan]

i dont pay attention to the murmur that is the masses. Especially now a days.
I hate reviews that do nothing but gush all over the property. like all these dark souls 3 reviews. It is impossible to have anything just be perfect, unless its mother nature.
To see a review that also has negative comments is absolutely natural. Now, its either all love or all hate.
If someone actually critiques something with both then they are considered failures.
If someone hates on something and the masses dont agree, its lynching time.
If someone loves something and the masses dont agree then their fanboy and girls.

This is situation comedy.

8 is still a great score, the negatives dont seem unfair. Please stop this immaturity its just silly to the extreme.

[jcnba28]

People are still crying over IGN's review score? smh

[kevinsheeks]

Wait people are upset because of a 8.8 . . . Smh

[xtheblackparade]

Mmm, I don't think the score is inappropriate on itself, but becomes inappropriate when you see tomb raider got a 9.3 . Anyway, people shouldn't be so sensitive about another one's opinion, who cares what she thinks it's about you playing the game.

[feraldrgn]

People aren't complaining about the review score "entirely", it's more the person they chose to review it who has been known to mark scores down due to the games not following her point of view.

The score is still great but one has to wonder how many points she knocked off because it didn't follow a political agenda, when you're known for that kind of thing it brings a lack of confidence in that person's review.

Personally I'm not bothered, but people are misunderstanding why others ARE bothered.

[kenwonobi]

She is a feminist new age reviewer. Deal with it and move on. Her reviews suck. It has a agenda. Let's all stop reading IGN reviews. We all know their bias. We all know some of their reviews are bought by advertising. I wonder to this day why such a trash website got so big.

[SegaGamer]

People care way too much about reviews. Make your own mind up on things.

[AndrewLB]

I absolutely despise political correctness and will be the first to call people on it, but the behavior of the Sony Defense Force is just pathetic. Way to go kids! You sure showed her who's boss!

[MBobko55]

Oh no Uncharted got an 8.8 lets all cry.. It's her opinion. if you like the series buy the game. I don't like uncharted personally but 8.8 is still a good score. People need to grow up.

[Count_Bakula]

The internet shouldn't be flipping out about an in-progress 8.8 for Thief's End; what pisses me off is all of this didn't happen for Iron Man 3's exceptional IGN review. Now THAT should have caused a..civil war.

[sliggio32]

People are so dumb. Ign does a great job at publishing reviews that aren't influenced by the publishers. I would understand the sentiment if they were calling out a lack of journalistic integrity (like gamepro did back in the day when they were broke). This though... Nonsense. Another excuse for woman haters on the Internet to unite.

[Keregan]

What's wrong with that score, imo it's pretty much spot on, everything around 9 is good enough for an UC game. Great graphic and excellent story telling. The gameplay isn't the best out there but still good enough and it's true, like many other franchise, at the some point the pacing is affected by repetitiveness. On a technical standpoint, it's true that the framerate dips sometimes, but it's almost flawless, much better than many AAA title these days. Anyone with a tad of judgment should be able to see that it's not a masterpiece but damn close to it. I guess only child or fanboy are whinning about something as trivial as a review score.

[Jag-T1000]

So, we're mad because someone gave this game an 8.8? Everyone get your pitch forks and torches!!!!!

[finite]

Poor lass, its only an opinion... like everyone will agree or disagree... for me she is right to have an opinoin just like all the peeps that comment here, or comment on twitter etc.

[WellyUK]

we live in a world where people see 8.8 as a failure... This is why the review system needs changing and needs to at least make full use of the out of 10 scale, 5 is average not a damn 8. There are so many games that get 7/8 that are better than the high 9's and 10's.

[Twinblade]

I hate seeing reviews like 8.8, I like seeing reviews that's just only 1 to 10, no 8.1, etc. When I see the 8.8 score, I just round up the score to be 9.0.

[2pacalypsenow]

Well IGN gave evolve a 9 and based on the general reception of this game an 8.8 is low

[LoveSpuds]

I dont use IGN so I am not aware of Lucy's likes and dislikes, her gaming experience or her capabilities as a journalist. I read the review out of interest, it seemed well constructed and an honest personal opinion about a game I am dying too play.

Seems to me thats its insane to go crazy over .2 of point after all, if this had been a 9 out of 10 review nothing would have been said, I suspect.

Like all reviews, even the extremely positive ones, I never let them affect my decision to buy a game. I loved the maligned The Order for example while I found Fallout 4 to be quite banal. Nevertheless, I am a grown man and I'll be damned if I will ever verbally abuse someone for there personal opinion, particularly when that is an opinion about a piece of entertainment. Anyone out there calling for sackings, making threats or verbally abusing anyone over something a trite as a piece of entertainment needs to take a long hard look at themselves, because they are utterly pathetic.

I say all this as someone who deeply adores video games and sees them as my primary source of entertainment snd relaxation.

[iTechHeads]

Uncharted 4 is a much better game then Quantum Break. Anyone who says otherwise its extremely biased.

[Gwiz]

This game is a must for PS4 owners,do not take scores as they come as they're used for alternate purposes.

[Tankbusta40]

I would totally trust Lucy O'Brien to objectively review the Kim kardashian mobile game, everything else not so much

[mEATgrinder]

This just proves Playstataion fans are biased zealots

[Realms]

Opinions opinions I could care less what IGN gives U4 why because I will be the judge of that. So far U4 has gotten many favorable reviews across the board so unless they are all wrong I will play the game and see for myself I don't need some critic or website to tell me what I should like.

[jeenyus]

All I see is some white-knighting article here.