Components of a Quality Game Review

First of all, in order to create a good video game review, you must thoroughly know the game. This means that you should play it yourself for more than ten minutes. Aim for several hours at least, on separate days if possible. You should be criticizing the game as you play-which shouldn't be too difficult since you automatically do that anyways. You might want to jot down some thoughts for the review as you play.

Assume that the reader has never heard of the game before. Briefly describe the basic facts that your reader needs to know about the game, such as the title. Briefly describe the objective of the game and the method of play (first person shooter, goal is to save the princess, etc). Express your opinion of the game play, using specific examples from the game to support your opinion. When you explain your critique be sure to have valid motives; "It sucked because it wasn't fun and sucked" is NOT a reason.

In your analysis you must clearly evaluate the sound and graphics and recount how they affect the overall quality of the game. Describe how well you think the game's appeal will hold up after repeated replaying. Compare the game to others in the same genre to help readers determine whether this game might be for them. The key elements of any video game review must cover genre, story, game play, graphics, sound, and controls. Does the game contain a learning curve? Do the visual and audio effects run smoothly? Address the question:  if you were going to buy this game, what would you want to know about it before making the purchase? Is it a game to be rented, bought, or not bothered with?

Conclude the review with your overall opinion of how cool the game is and your recommendation. Last of all you must make clear that everyone has a different taste in video games, so what may be right for another may not be right for them.

Favorite Type of Video Game

Link from The Legend of Zelda

 My favorite type of video game is more of a narrative one, which allows you to switch views easily (you aren't stuck as first person shooter, like in Halo), and has a good solid plot, where you learn vital things as you progress.

For me, the graphics are a major factor of a good game, so I prefer those with realistic characters and settings. However, the art isn't everything, as The Wind Waker, for example, is more cartoon-like, but is one of the funnest games out there.The characters must have unique personalities; they should be believable. 

Conversations should be helpful and not stretched. 

There also should be a sense of exploration and discovery in the game, and mini side quests always add to the fun, as long as they give you decent rewards. That is what makes a game entertaining to play. The storyline shouldn't be too complex, but not too simple by any means. The sound must be adequate as well: what would be the fun in swinging a sword without a cool sound effect, or trudging through the land with no background music? It should also have replay value: you shouldn't simply finish and say well that's that, and never want to come back to it.Overall, it should be a original game which is set aside from others, displaying quality both visually and mentally, and should capture and hold your interest for a long time.