darthstrife
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I'd have to admit I'm addicted to game reviews. Sure everyone wants to play the newest, greatest games. And certainly nobody likes waiting money, especially those here on this site. But there is a point where this compulsion went to the next level. You see I have gotten to the point where I only play very highly reviewed games whether they interest me or not. It has gotten so bad that honestly, I don't know if I know what I like anymore.
It didn't used to be this way. I'm sure we all have memories of when we were children and we would get our games at Christmas or on our birthday. Most of us really had no idea whether the game was going to be good or not, but it was typically something we wanted (unless our family picked it out). I remember begging my parents for a NES game called STEALTH. I loved it, but I doubt it makes many top games lists.
I remember only discovering Zelda because I picked up the original at a flea market because the cart was gold. Time went on and by Mortal Kombat II, I had discovered game magazines. I was hooked. Strangely, the magazines never really dominated my opinion. Sure, some games I tried because of it, like Resident Evil or Tomb Raider. But other games, like Blood Omen or Kartia, I discovered on my own.
Then came the internet. With sites like Gamespot and IGN, reviews are available right around the time the game comes out. Sites like Gamerankings and Metacritic compile stats to provide daily with countless lists of the editors of the gaming world's top game selections. Its gotten so bad that I am nothing more than one of those people who mostly look at scores.
What's the result, I end playing the "best games" but I end up enjoying them very little. How do we break this cycle and rediscover what it really is we love in games? I honestly don't even know what genres I'm into anymore. I used to love role playing games, survival horror, or any games with a strong story or healthy dose of exploration.
In any event, I started this thread to share my tale, get suggestions, and offer a place where others could seek aid.
It didn't used to be this way. I'm sure we all have memories of when we were children and we would get our games at Christmas or on our birthday. Most of us really had no idea whether the game was going to be good or not, but it was typically something we wanted (unless our family picked it out). I remember begging my parents for a NES game called STEALTH. I loved it, but I doubt it makes many top games lists.
I remember only discovering Zelda because I picked up the original at a flea market because the cart was gold. Time went on and by Mortal Kombat II, I had discovered game magazines. I was hooked. Strangely, the magazines never really dominated my opinion. Sure, some games I tried because of it, like Resident Evil or Tomb Raider. But other games, like Blood Omen or Kartia, I discovered on my own.
Then came the internet. With sites like Gamespot and IGN, reviews are available right around the time the game comes out. Sites like Gamerankings and Metacritic compile stats to provide daily with countless lists of the editors of the gaming world's top game selections. Its gotten so bad that I am nothing more than one of those people who mostly look at scores.
What's the result, I end playing the "best games" but I end up enjoying them very little. How do we break this cycle and rediscover what it really is we love in games? I honestly don't even know what genres I'm into anymore. I used to love role playing games, survival horror, or any games with a strong story or healthy dose of exploration.
In any event, I started this thread to share my tale, get suggestions, and offer a place where others could seek aid.
But it is time-consuming, and I kinda miss the old-school days where even a bad game could have a certain level of charm and be worth playing (I'm looking at you, Sword Master!)