Let’s get real here: if you are hyped about a new game, you just want to dive right into it. Be it an RPG that everyone’s been talking about or a brand-new survival, many of the reviews can be incredibly tempting to completely skip over and get into the action straight away. But hang on! Reading the reviews before diving in might save you a lot of time and frustration. Here is why.
What Game Reviews Bring to the Table
Ever start playing a game only to find out that it’s not like what you thought it would be? Possibly the mechanics just don’t click or the story’s simply not interesting. That’s where game reviews come in. Reviews give insight into core mechanics, world building-even technical performance of a game.
Gameplay mechanics are the backbone of any game. Now, imagine, right from the very beginning, knowing whether this game draws heavily from combat or if it’s a bit of a puzzle-solver. That can either make or break the experience, depending on what you’re into. Then there’s story and world-building. Some love stories with a rich element of compiled characters, while others want only the action. Reading a review might give you a taste of the narrative – what it will comprise – so you may know if it is the type of storytelling you will enjoy.
Oh, and let’s not forget about technical performance. It is that part of reviews that often proves to be a lifesaver. How many times have you heard about a game perfect on one console but buggy on another? Reviews often mention performance issues, thus giving you a heads-up about impending crashes, lag, or patch updates.
Why Reading Reviews First Can Save You
What’s in it for you? Actually, quite a lot.
How to Choose the Best Game to Fit Your Style
Has it ever happened that you spent money on a game, just to find it wasn’t quite up your alley? Reviews help you avoid those disappointments. They reveal, from within, how gameplay works, what’s great and not so great, and how the game receives a welcome or rejection from other players. Once you read reviews of games, you’re less apt to get one that will simply not “fit” you. This is especially important when it comes to online casino games. You would not want to head straight into an online casino that shows up at the very top of your search on the internet. No!
Rather, you want to get a review, and in the process, learn a thing or two about the casino and the games they offer. That is why review websites are your friend. For instance, let’s say you heard about a good online casino like Conquestador. You don’t exactly know what they offer, and that is why a little research is necessary. If you were to go through this review by GambleOntario, you may learn how the casino operates, what bonuses they give away, and of course, the right games for you.
Saving Time and Money
Let’s be realistic: games are not inexpensive. It does sting when you shell out $60 or even more for a game that might not entertain you all that much. Reviews put you in the know if it is worth investing before you swipe that card. The same goes for your time: if a game takes 50 hours to complete but starts slowly, a review can warn you so you’re not investing time in something that doesn’t pay off.
Making Informed Choices
Knowing the good, the bad, and the meh about a game means you’re playing on your terms. Reviews have underlined not only the standout features but also the weak spots, so you go prepared. Love a game with great voice acting? Great, since reviews have a tendency to cover that. Can’t stand a game with clunky controls? A review just might save you from that frustration. Reviews are your tools of assurance to know whether you’re selecting a game that matches your preference.
But Aren’t Reviews Biased?
Sure, reviewers have tastes, and their opinions can be subjective. What might be “amazing” for one person could be your “meh.” But that is where it pays to glance through two or three different reviews just to get a balanced perspective. And if you’re worried about spoilers, well, you’re not alone – many gamers can be just as anxious about those. But usually, reviewers will either leave out any major spoilers or they’ll flag them, so you can skim over sections that detail too much and spoil surprises.
Different Kinds of Reviews to Consider
Not all reviews are created equal. You can find some that fit your style, too.
Professional Reviews
These will be the ones to be found on major gaming websites. In-depth, ranging from graphics to gameplay, story, and performance in a nice, orderly fashion. Professional reviewers have seen it all, and more often than not, they know how to spot strengths and weaknesses that might evade the average player. But then again, they’re also writing for a wide audience, meaning they might not touch on every single aspect that’s important to you.
User Reviews
Looking for opinions from people just like you? User reviews are the place. These tend to be decidedly more casual and frequently involve lists of pros and cons from everyday experience. Note: users can be pretty blunt, so take some comments with a grain of salt. Even so, user reviews provide honest, first-hand reactions that may help you get a little better sense of what the gameplay actually feels like.
Video Reviews and Playthroughs
Want to see gameplay? Video reviews and walkthroughs give you a graphical tour. You can, in fact, watch someone play, get a view of the graphics, and see how the mechanics work live. It is almost like trying before buying.
The Case for Going In Blind
Of course, there is another side to this. Perhaps the mere idea drives you through a fascination with learning everything yourself. When one skips reviews, everything comes as a surprise. No expectations, no spoilers-just you and the game. This makes some players’ experiences even more vibrant and absorbing. Sometimes, reviews put preconceived notions in your head that colour it. Perhaps it is time to consider when to read reviews and when to go in fresh!
In the End, It’s Your Call
So, should you read game reviews before playing? Well, it really depends on what kind of experience you’re trying to have. If you’re all about making sure a game fits your bill, reviews are going to be your best friend. But if you live on the unexpected, then you need to jump in with no reviews. Either way, being cognizant of what’s out there means good and bad-you’re making a choice that’s right for you.
Happy gaming, after all, this is a game, and it is supposed to be fun. However you get to it, make sure it’s your wanted experience.