Melan on 29/6/2009 at 14:20

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Costykian has always sounded bitter and used up, even back when he was into roleplaying games and strategy. There is a point where you stop nodding "nuh-huh, got a point there" and start thinking "if it's so hot in the kitchen, why don't you just get out?" Greg reached that point waaaay too long ago.

Still, he is good at what he does, so good contribution!

mothra on 29/6/2009 at 14:44

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but that's why it's so boring and uninteresting. you have to write about things you can't get your head around as well, otherwise a few sentences like:
"get this - it's cool" should be enough.

Journalists (or writers) always had the capability to find a new spin on things, to shine a light on some random side-stuff in an angle you never thought off and back it up with wisdom or knowledge you didn't know it existed. it is stimulating. and it could include everything that made a game/franchise BAD as well, being brutally honest (without being an asshole to the publisher/dev).

I didn't find that at RPS (or other sites). but then again, I don't read 'em that often, I tend to watch "coming soon" listings on steam/play/game much more than read "articles/blogs" about gaming.

and to be honest: gaming has so few examples of "mature" and "thoughtful" games that make sense in an artistic way (and feature a meaningful story) that would make for a good story. it's more the ppl playing it, the genres and the industry behind it atm that is more interesting.

most games are just juvenile crap (that I can like as well, Prototype hurray) that imo don't justify any journalism besides putting up screenshots/gameplay vids exclusively (like wormrat said).

pdenton on 29/6/2009 at 17:56

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This is an interesting topic as I was must admit, I feel embarrassed for video game journalism just about every time I read a review.

How many times have you heard something like this? "The graphics are nice and pleasant. The gameplay is also good. I really liked this game, easily one of the best of the year. So, if you're looking for a fun game, with good gameplay and nice graphics, you gotta check out [name]!"

And SOMEONE needs to proofread at IGN. Ugh.

doctorfrog on 29/6/2009 at 19:12

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Don't know about specific journalists, but for needlessly excessive editorializing on the nature of games and the universe at large, I head over to (http://gamesetwatch.com) GameSetWatch and the occasional (http://gamasutra.com) GamaSutra article. If you really want to read someone mooning on about the meaning of being a gamer, (http://brainygamer.com) BrainyGamer might be up your alley. The Escapist started out interesting, but hasn't been worth reading for a very long time. RockPaperShotgun is nearly always worth perusing for 2-minute articles. Finally, (http://www.gamerswithjobs.com) GamersWithJobs has some hit-and-miss editorials but a pretty lively and listenable podcast.

For specific game reviews: Since I generally don't buy a game until it's been out for a couple years anyway, there's little need to visit IGN or Gamespot, but I generally go with Gamespot for basic reviews. Their quality is fairly good, and the ads are more easily ignored, and I usually follow up with a forum query for a reality check.

But overall, the idea of 'games journalism' is pretty hilarious, considering the crisis that news journalism is going through these days.

Koki on 29/6/2009 at 20:10

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Excuse me