Everyone chill about the reviews

[Dino droppings? Droppings?]

I think we all need to chill about the reviews. IGN gave a horrible review; we can't simply dismiss it but whoever did it obviously isn't a fan of these types of games which actually IS quite important. If you dislike something from the outset it's very difficult to give a review that is worthwhile people listening to. For example, I hate eating fish. Therefore, if i was asked to write a review on a piece of fish at a restaurant, I would be biased towards disliking it before I had even tried it.

That said, for this game to do well it needs to appeal to a wide audience and I think it has enough charm to do so for a while at least.

However, I think it's important we look at the objective facts. Based on 6 reviews, it currently has a Metascore of 75/100. This score includes the IGN review; without it, it has an average score of just over 79/100. Thats almost a HD average.

Now, we all know this game is far from perfect, but we also know that the game we have right now is not the final product. That's important to keep in mind.

 

[knowles2]

I think we all need to chill about the reviews. IGN gave a horrible review; we can't simply dismiss it but whoever did it obviously isn't a fan of these types of games which actually IS quite important. If you dislike something from the outset it's very difficult to give a review that is worthwhile people listening to. For example, I hate eating fish. Therefore, if i was asked to write a review on a piece of fish at a restaurant, I would be biased towards disliking it before I had even tried it.

That said, for this game to do well it needs to appeal to a wide audience and I think it has enough charm to do so for a while at least.

However, I think it's important we look at the objective facts. Based on 6 reviews, it currently has a Metascore of 75/100. This score includes the IGN review; without it, it has an average score of just over 79/100. Thats almost a HD average.

Now, we all know this game is far from perfect, but we also know that the game we have right now is not the final product. That's important to keep in mind.

I'm not sure how these sites can be honest and yet not include the fact that frontier continually evolve their games and release content and feature updates for them.

 

[Flash525]

I'm not sure how these sites can be honest and yet not include the fact that frontier continually evolve their games and release content and feature updates for them.

I doubt many of them are - many reviews that come from websites or magazines are likely via a pay-gate. I've watched many films in my time that have been given 4/5 stars, or titled 'film of the year' when I've thought them utter . Generally I don't care for game reviews; if I'm that invested in the concept of a game, I'll look to YouTube for gameplay videos before I make my decision (though with JWE, I just decided I'd buy it without first consorting YouTube).

 

[PCMR4Life]

I agree. Far from perfect but no where near the garbage review IGN gave it. I was willing to spend $60 on this game cause that's how much I trust Frontier. Some people might not for whatever reason. I have completely enjoyed it what I have played so far and that's about 2 hours so far. I have really enjoyed the contract system and trying to balance out the three divisions is great fun. More than you would think it is.

 

[Fluffy_Flippers]

The thing about reviews is that it is based on the opinion of the reviewer. Like TS is mentioning if said reviewer does not like a certain genre he/she will tend to give the reviewed piece a bad score. If a Steam player reviews the game it's also based on his/her opinion. Like the whole discussion on sleeping, some people want it in because it adds something for them, others don't really care or don't feel like they miss something.

My point is: the only real reviewer should be you. You are the only one that can tell if you like it or not, if certain features are great or you are missing some. You are the best opinion .

 

[gingeyphillips]

The thing about reviews is that it is based on the opinion of the reviewer. Like TS is mentioning if said reviewer does not like a certain genre he/she will tend to give the reviewed piece a bad score. If a Steam player reviews the game it's also based on his/her opinion. Like the whole discussion on sleeping, some people want it in because it add something for them, others don't really care or don't feel like they miss something.

My point is: the only real reviewer should be you. You are the only one that can tell if you like it or not, if certain features are great or you are missing some. You are the best opinion .

Completely with you on this. We've seen enough footage to see whether we'll like it or not irrespective of what some schmuck who is already biased against the game thinks. Besides the steam reviews are in at "Very Positive", and that's out of 555 reviews currently! Think it's fair to say that this isn't the same consensus as the biased view of one dude from IGN.

 

[Chris Simon]

The thing about reviews is that it is based on the opinion of the reviewer. Like TS is mentioning if said reviewer does not like a certain genre he/she will tend to give the reviewed piece a bad score. If a Steam player reviews the game it's also based on his/her opinion. Like the whole discussion on sleeping, some people want it in because it add something for them, others don't really care or don't feel like they miss something.

My point is: the only real reviewer should be you. You are the only one that can tell if you like it or not, if certain features are great or you are missing some. You are the best opinion .

Yep, exactly.
Or if you want the review to have any value for YOU, pick a review written by a person who has similar taste in games as you do. Not someone who gave Battlefield 4 a 9/10.

 

[NY09]

My point is: the only real reviewer should be you. You are the only one that can tell if you like it or not, if certain features are great or you are missing some. You are the best opinion .

Sadly, this sentiment is beyond the practical consideration of everyone who doesn't wish to buy every game released to see which ones they like, hence 3rd party reviews are a necessary evil. Caveat emptor.

 

[Chris Simon]

Sadly, this sentiment is beyond the practical consideration of everyone who doesn't wish to buy every game released to see which ones they like, hence 3rd party reviews are a necessary evil. Caveat emptor.

The alternative look on this is ignoring the score and just read the review. It can tell you things the score can't. If you see reviewer criticizing the game for something that you actually consider a plus, it's a valuable information. Etc.

 

[NY09]

The alternative look on this is ignoring the score and just read the review. It can tell you things the score can't. If you see reviewer criticizing the game for something that you actually consider a plus, it's a valuable information. Etc.

I don't disagree with you, you use the information available to make as wise pre-purchase decision as you wish, but you do reinforce my argument that reviews are a necessary evil as a source of information, regardless of your own criteria for filtering it.

 

[Chris Simon]

I don't disagree with you, you use the information available to make as wise pre-purchase decision as you wish, but you do reinforce my argument that reviews are a necessary evil as a source of information, regardless of your own criteria for filtering it.

Well, that depends. My opinion is that the whole system of reviews is flawed from the get-go. I mean, people are allowed to publish their opinion on something, sure, but it shouldn't be considered a measure stick for that game.
The ideal thing would be just a list of features, gameplay description, etc. Any kind of "I think this game is bad because..." makes an information worthless for you.

I don't read reviews, personally. If I am not sure whether I will like a game and official info isn't enough, I usually find a let's play on Youtube and watch it for an hour or so. That usually gives me all the info I need.

 

[Fluffy_Flippers]

To be honest, I think we can pretty much form an opinion based on all the video's we have seen from JWE. I mean there is a ton of material out there and you know exactly what version was used for each video. Reviews should be looked at yes, but don't base your desire to buy the game solely on a review. Watch some gameplay! I bet if you do that you will form a better opinion then when you read a review.

 

[NY09]

Well, that depends. My opinion is that the whole system of reviews is flawed from the get-go. I mean, people are allowed to publish their opinion on something, sure, but it shouldn't be considered a measure stick for that game.
The ideal thing would be just a list of features, gameplay description, etc. Any kind of "I think this game is bad because..." makes an information worthless for you.

I don't read reviews, personally. If I am not sure whether I will like a game and official info isn't enough, I usually find a let's play on Youtube and watch it for an hour or so. That usually gives me all the info I need.

How much import is placed on a review, or a source of information, is a choice for the individual. Of course, there is a propensity for a great many people to fall into the logical trap of assuming authority where none exists, but that is their choice, whether they recognise it as a choice or not.

Thus, as you are, I'm wary of a single source of information, but likewise we are both interested in finding information where we can to make an informed choice. I agree that the best way to do that is to attempt seek out the experiences of those with no commercial agenda (as far as it is possible to do so), or to seek out the primary source itself when possible, as you quite rightly suggested.

For me, at this stage, there are enough concerns by players to defer a decision on purchasing, with the awerness that the more patience I have the lower the price will become and (hopefully) the better the product. Early adoption is often a bad proposition, doubly so with technology!

Despite the obvious flaws, the professional critic will continue to reign supreme as a feature of commercialism and the modern trend toward weakness in critical thinking skills, and far from being just another source of information, will continue to hold a position of percieved authority - and I share your frustration in the recognition of this irrationality.

 

[Fluffy_Flippers]

How much import is placed on a review, or a source of information, is a choice for the individual. Of course, there is a propensity for a great many people to fall into the logical trap of assuming authority where none exists, but that is their choice, whether they recognise it as a choice or not.

Thus, as you are, I'm wary of a single source of information, but likewise we are both interested in finding information where we can to make an informed choice. I agree that the best way to do that is to attempt seek out the experiences of those with no commercial agenda (as far as it is possible to do so), or to seek out the primary source itself when possible, as you quite rightly suggested.

For me, at this stage, there are enough concerns by players to defer a decision on purchasing, with the awerness that the more patience I have the lower the price will become and (hopefully) the better the product. Early adoption is often a bad proposition, doubly so with technology!

Despite the obvious flaws, the professional critic will continue to reign supreme as a feature of commercialism and the modern trend toward weakness in critical thinking skills, and far from being just another source of information, will continue to hold a position of percieved authority - and I share your frustration in the recognition of this irrationality.

I've heard that the Steam reviews are really positive. But off course it all depends on what you find important! If you feel that a certain feature should be in the game but isn't well then that could be a game breaker for you. Another thing i've noticed is that Frontier games don't seem to drop much in price.

 

[Chris Simon]

Yeah, the pooled user reviews are the other matter. Although I do believe mostly they are sincere, with user reviews (metacritics, Steam, etc) it's good to approach them from strictly statistical point of view, which sadly means that they're really worth considering only once the number of reviews exceeds at least 1000, imo.

 

[Dark_Messiah]

Yes, user reviews are a good place to start, but you must read some of them. You will soon see that while most of them recommend the game they also recommend waiting for a pricedrop/sale. In other words, the game is worth buying, but in it's current state, it's not worth the full price is what i'm getting from steam and other user reviews.

 

[PCMR4Life]

Sadly, this sentiment is beyond the practical consideration of everyone who doesn't wish to buy every game released to see which ones they like, hence 3rd party reviews are a necessary evil. Caveat emptor.

Maybe for console people. But for PC gamers we can just get refunds.

 

[MrGoodbytes]

For what it's worth, I love the game so far. Is it perfect? No. No game is. Are there some things I'd have done differently? Yes, plenty of them. But it excels in almost every way. I'm having a blast playing it. I encourage people to judge for themselves.

 

[nicedevill]

IGN has long been known for unreliable and biased reviews. Too many non professionals write for IGN so always check different, more credible sites before making first opinion about game you didn't try.

 

[dailyvagabond]

Steam reviews are sitting at "very positive" after 2,000+, so I think we're golden. If you ask me, that was probably a big place Frontier was always gonna look to determine how much support to apply to the game. My theory is that they support games more aggressively if people are enjoying them, and Steam is a pretty good indicator of what the general public is thinking of the game. Console reviews are similar, though I haven't had occasion to check those.