Need Opinions: My VG First Review

[BaffledMonkey]

I just wrote my first Video Game Review and id like some feed back on it.

Here it is:

Years ago, when gaming was in the PSOne age, there came a game from Electronic Arts (EA) that revolutionized arcade style racing games. That game was called Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit. Red Rock Ridge, Corvettes, and cops made this game rock. Since then, EA released mediocre titles such as Need for Speed: High Stakes, and Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed. While NFS:HS offered the new feature of “be the cop” it still didn’t satisfy the gamers’ needs. Then again, NFS: Porsche Unleashed just plain sucked. Then, EA released Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2(NFS:HP2) for the PS2. This game was the follow up for its counterpart on the PSOne. The game was decent but it lacked the addictiveness of its predecessor. In November 2003, EA released the highly anticipated game, Need for Speed: Underground. (NFS:U)
Some said NFS:U was going to revolutionize arcade racing games again. (Just like NFS3) Graphically, the game exceeds NFS:HP2. Simply put, the cars look good though not Gran Turismo good. While some cars look absolutely real, others simply look way too smooth. As for the courses, detailed as they are, the graphics aren’t as stellar. First, there are too many lights. When the player sits down the first time, they will most likely run into a wall because of the confusing lights and blinking arrows. Practice and time will clear all this up. Unlike NFS:HP2 and NFS3, the tracks offer almost no variety. In fact, most tracks are the same. If they aren’t it’s usually because the track is going the opposite way. [Take Tracks A & B, Track B is Track A only backwards] No variety. Period.
*Turning Volume Down* That’s exactly what you do after only playing it for about 1-2 hours. The edited version of Get Low is the first song to get on your nerves. Why? Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the song itself, it’s the fact that it’s the most played track in the whole game. It’s played like every other song. To put it in Laymens terms, this version of EA TRAX blows.
The game play, however, does not blow in the slightest bit. Aside from the annoying and glaring features left out and the continuous repetition in the tracks, the game play itself is a step in the right direction of arcade racers. For better review purposes I’ll break this section into bulleted parts:

• UNDERGROUND MODE – The depth of this feature is really surprising. Considering this is EA’s first attempt at a street racing game, I didn’t expect it to be as deep as it is. You can customize everything from the logos on the cars, tires, rims, engine parts, roof scoops, spoilers, paint, tinting of windows, to even Nitrous Oxide.(a.k.a. NOS) Each of these having to be earned by completing races, to be exact, a total of 111 races, and that is no quick task. For each part, there are different stages. (Levels 1-3) Obviously, the quality of the part gets better from Level 1 to Level 3. The reputation factor also matters in the game. The better your car looks, the more reputation. The better your reputation, the more magazine covers sport your car. Not only are there parts that you can purchase, there are also “unique” parts that are given by people if you beat a race for them. Again, adding to the addictive nature. Basically, you pick a car(Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ZX3, Mazda Miata MX-5, Mazda RX-7, Nissan 240SX, Nissan 350Z, Nissan Sentra Spec-R, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Dodge Neon, Honda Civic Si, Honda Integra Type-R, Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Hyundai Tiburon GT V6, Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5, Mitsubishi Lancer, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Peugeot 206 GTI, Toyota Supra and Toyota Celica GT), race, “sup” it up, and then gradually go to the next level. Here’s the downsides to Underground Mode. First, when you change cars, all your parts transfer over. How many times does that happen in real life? Second, winning the races gets you entirely too much money, as the parts only cost from about $300-$5000 at most. Unfortunately, between levels, there will be some races where you stockpile your money after buying everything in Level 1. Thus, when you start Level 2 you can buy pretty much everything already. Third, Underground gets old quickly, because after a while, your car is too good, and you don’t want to upgrade to another one. Thus, having the choices of 20 cars really doesn’t come into play. All in all, Underground is a good step, but needs improvement.

• RACING THE GAME – Racing the game is pretty fun to say the least. It’s just like any other racing game out there. Some of the upside includes: NOS, traffic, and, of course, speed. There are many downsides though. First, like I said earlier, the tracks get extremely old quickly. Second, there isn’t any damage to the car. Thus, you can run into traffic all you want. (The Style Meter deducts points, but really who cares about the Style meter that much) You can run into walls, other cars and obstacles and not have any affect on the car. In some races, hitting something will disqualify you from the race. Plus, you don’t have to pay for any damages incurred. Therefore, it offers no incentive to be a good driver. Third, the game includes no cops. If there’s one thing the game really needed, it was the fact that during any given race, cops could come and try to get you. Thus, forcing you to make the decision, win the race and risk getting caught, or running from the cops. Fourth, the traffic is absolutely stupid. Hitting them causes them to roll up your car or fly up in the air. Granted its funny, but realistically it takes away from the game because if you actually hit a car, you’d be stuck for a little while. Last, but not least, the competition in the races absolutely sucks. You can whip them 95% of the time. In fact, sometimes its fun to hit something, let them catch up and then floor it again. The Drag races, offer the best competition. That brings me to my next point. Another obnoxious race is when you are drag racing, and you have to beat the other cars while trying to avoid a bullet train. Come on EA. Granted it offers a challenge, but what a stupid challenge.

Some said NFS:U was going to revolutionize arcade racing games again. I, however, think it didn’t revolutionize arcade racing games. It wasn’t even the first street racing game out there. Don’t get me wrong, the game has its ups and is a great leap in street racing games. On the other hand, the downsides need to be addressed. That’s right, I feel a “2” coming. And let’s hope, it addresses the downsides, as well as gives us something new.

RATINGS

*All ratings are based off a 10 point scale and the Verdict is not an average.*
Graphics: 8.3
Gameplay: 8.9
Sound: 7.2
Replay Value: 8.5
Verdict: 7.2

[Matthew S.]

Years ago, when gaming was in the PSOne age, there came a game from Electronic Arts (EA) that revolutionized arcade style racing games. That game was called Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit. Red Rock Ridge, Corvettes, and cops made this game rock. Since then, EA released mediocre titles such as Need for Speed: High Stakes, and Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed. While NFS:HS offered the new feature of “be the cop” it still didn’t satisfy the gamers’ needs. Then again, NFS: Porsche Unleashed just plain sucked. Then, EA released Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2(NFS:HP2) for the PS2. This game was the follow up for its counterpart on the PSOne. The game was decent but it lacked the addictiveness of its predecessor. In November 2003, EA released the highly anticipated game, Need for Speed: Underground. (NFS:U) Some said NFS:U was going to revolutionize arcade racing games again.

As you can probably now tell, you've said "game" far more than ever needed in a first paragraph...in fact you said it a total of ten times just there, not to mention the rest of the review. Using title or just simply a pronoun causes for a much smoother read. Also, if you ever actually want to have something published, describing how much portions of the game "suck" or "blow" isn't a good form of writing.

Also, using a more structured reviewing style is preferred (Intro, Graphics, Gameplay, Style, Control, Replay Value, Conclusion). This follows your scoring process and is easier to follow.

Overall, it isn't a bad review for a beginner and if it's something you actually want to do you'll need to practice. Reading a lot of other reviews can help in finding a structured pattern, and then you can add your own style to it.

[BaffledMonkey]

Thanks for the input. Looking at it, your right I do say game alot. Organization is always been my weak point, in any writing .

Anybody else?

Matt --- what did you think of my points?

[The Benny (Macho)]

In my opinion the review reads like you didn't think much of the game, but you then go on to give it a high rating. At the moment the review reads like it is an average game, with the occasional good point dragged down by a whole heap of bad points. Maybe you should expand on the things you liked a bit more? Have you read Arnold's review of the game here on PSXE? That reads more like he thinks it is a good game with a few flaws, which seems like the message you want to get across (judging by your ratings at the end).

As Matt said, you should also include some detail on each of the subjects you are rating the game on. You cover graphics and gameplay, but say nothing about the controls. You rate the sound at the end, but only mention the music in the actual review. What about engine noise, tyre screeches, collision noises or the other sounds that are in the game? Are there even any sounds in the game? From that review I can't tell.

I would say there are definitely parts of the review that need to be worked on, but you haven't got off to a bad start.

[BaffledMonkey]

Originally posted by Macho Man
In my opinion the review reads like you didn't think much of the game, but you then go on to give it a high rating. At the moment the review reads like it is an average game, with the occasional good point dragged down by a whole heap of bad points. Maybe you should expand on the things you liked a bit more? Have you read Arnold's review of the game here on PSXE? That reads more like he thinks it is a good game with a few flaws, which seems like the message you want to get across (judging by your ratings at the end).

As Matt said, you should also include some detail on each of the subjects you are rating the game on. You cover graphics and gameplay, but say nothing about the controls. You rate the sound at the end, but only mention the music in the actual review. What about engine noise, tyre screeches, collision noises or the other sounds that are in the game? Are there even any sounds in the game? From that review I can't tell.

I would say there are definitely parts of the review that need to be worked on, but you haven't got off to a bad start.

Thanks.

Btw, i didn't edit it so its RD #1 :P

I agree with you tho, i did give it a high rating for such a downside game. As for controls..who really cares. Unless there's a major bad button (Say socom one's reload button L3) then i would mention it. Your right tho, i can't give it a rating then.

Good point about the sound.

Ill keep trying tho

[Game Developer]

I don't know, I just didn't really enjoy it... But thats just my opinion, and I dont have much room to talk as it is...

Some said NFS:U was going to revolutionize arcade racing games again.

Who said that? I hardly think it, or thought it would... It's midnight club, minus the free roam, plus drifting and modding. Great game, but hardly revolutionary.

[Voice]

Like macho said, the verdict doesn't match the review.

from the review you gave i'd give the game a 7.5.

I haven't played it myself, so I can't comment on how accurate your points are...

[BaffledMonkey]

Originally posted by Voice
Like macho said, the verdict doesn't match the review.

from the review you gave i'd give the game a 7.5.

I haven't played it myself, so I can't comment on how accurate your points are...

Yeah i changed my copy to 7.3. ill edit mine

[Magoosh!]

Now you're pulling a Gamespot!

[BaffledMonkey]

Originally posted by Magoosh!
Now you're pulling a Gamespot!

LOL.



This isn't final nor have i published it. So i reserve the right to change it. :P