Quality gaming review/news site design

[Wandererz]

I'm gonna open a site soon, and I'm trying to choose a nice design for my upcomming site. I'm a technical guy, so it's not easy for me to determine what pattern or texture (or even color) is appropriate for a video game news and reviews site.

Since most of you likely do read various gaming blogs, could you give me some points about which sites you liked and why? Or what did you like in a certain site? For example: pink background!

P.S. Ask any questions if the post seems unclear...

 

[Scorch]

Black text on a white background is a must. As far as other colors.. I'm a fan of cooler colors, so I like things like Gizmodo's site (black/light blue).. that's just me, though. I can't speak for others.

 

[Wandererz]

What about the textures and patterns? I'm a big fan of clean design, but would that be okay for a gaming site...