Killzone 2/Edge Upheaval: Snuffing Out The Flames
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First of all, I would like to thank Arnold for his editorial in defense of my stance and character. I certainly didn't ask him to do that, but I definitely appreciate it. Now, I understand the author who has sparked such a firestorm should step up and respond to the backlash, and that's exactly what I'm doing. I believe the readers deserve it.
However, before I do that, because I care far more about this site than I do about what people think of me, let me echo Arnold's insistence that PSX Extreme is not - and never has been - a "fansite." I won't defend it with words here because it needs no defense. Simply sift through any and all content you wish, stretching back a week, a month, or even a year. Go for it; I'll wait. We pride ourselves on delivering up-to-date and reliable news each and every day, and you can even check our review section if you like. We are typically at or even beneath the typical scoring curve for PlayStation platform titles, and above all else, the readers can count on our interaction. Our ever-growing Comments section and freshly rejuvenated forums are indicative of the fact that we always interact with our readers. We appreciate them more than they'll ever know.
So please, don't condemn the site for one article that got blown out of proportion. Take the time to peruse everything we have to offer, and then make a decision. I will personally hand you a bagful of cookies if you can find sufficient evidence that we are in any way different than other popular game sites in how we present our content. Well, the writing may be a bit better. ;) Now, Arnold is also correct that I have never been a "fanboy" nor do I have any intention of becoming one. I do own a 360 and I've been trying to get Arnold to get one, as he stated. I loved Gears. I love the Halo series (I've got 'em all; they're sitting right behind me). I had the original Xbox, too. I handled all the content for Xbox Nerds until we opted to focus entirely on PSXE. I would never have even bought the PS3 on launch day if it weren't for this job. As far as I'm concerned, if a game is good, I don't give one flying fu** if I have to play it on a toaster. Platform loyalty is counter-productive.
As for editorials I've written in the past, again, judge for yourself.
"Will The PS3/360 Become The Best Combo Ever?"
"Game Franchises You Will Always Play"
"Editorial: The Fanboy Never Wins
"Metal Gear Solid 4: A Revolution And A Revelation"
I am most proud of that MGS4 piece, but this is just a sampling of what I usually write for PSXE, and I doubt people will have a problem with any of it. As for the Edge piece, there are two very important facts to consider: 1. I'd say about half the people who slammed us for it didn't even read it. They simply saw the headline and the name of the site and made a snap, rash assumption. 2. The entire point was missed by most. I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, and while I was taken to task by Variety and other sources for not actually citing anything concrete in their review, that wasn't the point.
2/12/2009 Ben Dutka
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Comments (136 posts)
wasim
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 8:31:00 PM
Qubex
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:17:21 PM
Totalz
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:53:33 PM
N a S a H
Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 7:15:01 PM
Digital Pimp
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:01:45 PM
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N a S a H
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:30:31 PM
AluShady
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:04:36 PM
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Honestly this is just one more thing that's going to blow over in due time.
I'm glad you said what you said. I could tell eventually it was frustrating you in the comments section though. People most of the time don't understand text as well as face to face verbal communication. Maybe something was lost in translation.
I'll still be frequenting the site. It's the best I've come across.
Wage SLAVES
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:31:25 PM
Qubex
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:19:03 PM
Akuma07
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:30:28 PM
Aftab
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 11:07:22 PM
CH1N00K
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 1:11:19 PM
Fatcat3788
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:09:06 PM
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TroubleMaker
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:14:36 PM
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bigrailer19
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:16:50 PM
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You guys do a better job than most sites in providing new info. everyday and its interesting, and truthful and thats why myself and everyone else comes here, as for the people who are hating, your still here too or maybe just showed up and obviously theres something about the site that pulls u in to... why your upset i dont know u keep saying people have opinions well Ben spoke his OPINION and in no way was it even criticizing EDGE. Simply Ben pointed out there review didn't coincide with the score which it didnt!
Thanks Arnold & Ben for letting us post comments on your amazing, brutally honest, up to date, and worthy site!
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 2/12/2009 4:21:13 PM
aaronisbla
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 2:08:08 AM
Qubex
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:20:08 PM
Wage SLAVES
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:30:22 PM
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Phoelix
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:33:37 PM
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It's a shame that you're having to prove yourself as not a fanboy. I think it says more about us readers than you the writer, Ben. And really, it's probably also a product of the poor quality of a lot of gaming journalism today.
chilker
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 7:12:03 PM
NightHawk17
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:33:49 PM
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keaton
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:36:38 PM
NightHawk17
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:43:13 PM
JasperLoons
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:40:59 PM
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Anyway, I've been visiting plenty of other gaming websites and haven't seen any backlash to your article. I'm sure it will blow over before long.
Qubex
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:22:21 PM
Q!
"i Am hOMe"
Last edited by Qubex on 2/12/2009 9:22:39 PM
Aftab
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 11:11:48 PM
I_defenestrate
Sunday, February 15, 2009 @ 10:47:50 PM
FLYING_APE
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 5:00:46 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 5:03:56 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 5:41:31 PM
Troy Powers
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 5:20:33 PM
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aaronisbla
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 2:10:08 AM
The_R0gue_Ninja
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 5:39:49 PM
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As for Edge's review bringing down the overall score on Metacritic and Gamerankings, I would hope most people notice that it is a statistical outlier, and judge their purchase on the other scores.
food86
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 6:22:26 PM
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jdt1981
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 6:25:28 PM
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It's like they settled on a score first and then slapped together a "review" to try and support that score. The thing is the review lacks allot of content and details and anyone who actually reads it can see how poorly written it is. The problem is in this day and age of metacritic most people don't bother reading reviews they just glance at the overall score and then use that to weigh their decision to buy or not.
The edge review IMO was nothing more than a publicity stunt. All they did was come up with a score that they knew would turn heads and then slapped together a rant,... I mean "review" to go along with it.
bamf
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 6:39:28 PM
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How would the xbots reacted if Gears 2 got a 7 from Edge? The same way the rest of us in here perhaps?
Last edited by bamf on 2/12/2009 6:39:59 PM
LCF
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 6:42:02 PM
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Reviews IMO should be done by people that love the genre(Yes that means hiring more people). They also must own all consoles of the current gen. Make no mistake this is a JOB and if you want to be a reviewer you must own all. Unless you are a dedicated site.
To make my point from above about specific people for specific genres. If a reviewer was playing a action/adventure game and enjoyed it and gave it a postive review. I can tell you when he reviews a FPS he will still be thinking about how much he had fun with the action/adventure game and look at the FPS with those eyes. So he'll nit-pick to death and miss anything no matter how small that might actually be an improvement within the FPS genre. This can be applied to all genres.
Or come across a reviewer who has little exp. with the genre. So when he reviews that game a couple of things could happen. Like he could think that it was the most innovated thing since toasted bread and did not have the exp. to fall back on to know it was done before. On the flipside it could of not been innovative but has been polished so well that his inexperience made him miss it.
Then there is the "FANBOY". But most if not all are just inexperienced people that just blindly follow fads. 1st time I exp. "FANBOYS" was with the cabbage patch dolls during the 80's. Everywhere you turned it was in your face. Thank the lord that died. Would you pay $5,000 for one of those dolls that only took $4 to make?. Who could not forget tickle me elmo?.
I have my reasons(many of them) not to support microsoft and are real legit reasons with proof to back it. My console of choice is Sony's PS3, does that make me a fanboy? No it doesn't. I have stated many times at this site as to why I don't back microsoft. In my professional opinion I feel microsoft is hurting the gaming industry, just like everything else they touch. If the X360 was made by some other company I bet you would not see so many problems as you do today. Yes all companies have problems...but not this many, EVER!.
To recap. IMO game sites that do offical reviews should have specific people for specific genres. Would you want a mechanic to be your doctor/surgeon?. They basically do the same thing. However they only good at what they do specifically. Thats how reviewers should be with genres.
Wage SLAVES
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 5:20:31 PM
xnonsuchx
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 6:44:35 PM
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The_R0gue_Ninja
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 6:59:32 PM
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I used to, and still mostly do, agree totally with Game Informer's reviews. However, I have been noticing that they do, somewhat, give a game a little negative edge (no pun intended) if it does not innovate.
Fatcat3788
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 7:03:39 PM
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jerocarson
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 7:23:41 PM
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if every gaming sites could follow this ideology, gammers wouldn't have problems, gammers wouldn't be seen as piece of sh@t
to say that Edge has completely lost it's conceicence, credibility and purpose is to say the obvious.
Ben, i know i could always count on you, you are not baised, concidering the fact that this is a playstation community, you still desplay that sense of maturity.....
i must not fail to commend your efforts, together with that of Arnord. psxe happens to be my favoutite..
'when u see what's wrong, it is very important to correct' you have done just that.
cheers.
Last edited by jerocarson on 2/12/2009 7:27:33 PM
xnonsuchx
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 8:08:30 PM
apofisboricua
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 7:34:07 PM
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Ive been visiting this site for tha past year and never registered before so this is my first post. Excuse my writting Im from Puerto Rico and English is our second language.
To the point: Im an old gamer. Im 32 years old. Ive played almost every console since the Atari 2600. Last gen I bougth all the consoles and this gen I have bougth the PS3 and the xbox 360. I prefeer the PS3 just for its exclusives wich I feel are all underrated. I also like mi 360 but it has been more of a headache to me because it has died 3 times. Anyway I always enjoy reading your article because I as a gamer can see that you speak with the truth and aint no fanboy.
I respect that in any writer but I enjoy most of your articles because I believe you are more mature than other writers that are just starting their carrer and didnt love the games just the brand of the console. I saw your post over the internet an d saw these types of people complaining and sometimes insulting you for telling just the truth.
Keep the good work man...this industry specially the press need more people like you. In a side note I visited Ars Technica site and I cant believe that the posters there are a bunch of fanboys who think they are samarter because of the site "more technological" aprroach to games. Really; I enyoyed the wars in the genesis and SNES era...but that time they were more friendy and less shamefull...THANKS BEN!
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:06:22 PM
PS3_Wizard
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 9:49:17 AM
WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 6:54:24 PM
jerocarson
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 8:02:21 PM
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Scarecrow
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 8:07:42 PM
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Edge should back the hell off, those bastards are a diservice to v-games as a whole.
If anything psxextreme empahsizes that fanboyism from either side is not good.
They emphasize truth whether it hurts a console or not.
Sony's advertising sucks, the price of the console is still kinda high, no backwards compatibility, etc.
Here at psextreme will tell it like it is. But when we go out and say that 360's RROD garbage is insane which it is we're just stating the truth.
In fact there isn't a gaming site in the web I respect more than psextreme, not even psu when it comes down to it.
If anything Edge should be apologizing to the whole gaming community!
Doosharm
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 8:28:27 PM
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To be honest with you Ben, when you first started writing regularly for PSXExtreme, I didn't like you. To me, you kind of came off as being an Xbox fanyboy. You seemed to be too hard on the PS3 and it kind of pissed me off. Then I saw that you were also writing for the Xbox sister site and I thought it was all part of some crazy conspiracy. I couldn't believe Arnold ever hired you!
But, after the initial shock, I actually started to listen to what you were saying and it made a lot of sense. I learned that you weren't the fanboy, I was. In fact, I would list you and your articles as the main driving force behind my purchase of a 360 and my open-mindedness towards other platforms with your recent article on the PS3/360 combo reflecting my current views exactly.
With the line between being honest and getting attention becoming smaller and smaller and more and more game magazines/sites seemingly in the pockets of the publishers this is the one publication that I feel I can actually trust to provide honest and accurate game reviews. And even if some feathers do get rustled every now and again, at least you guys haven't sold out. 'Nuff said.
Thanks Ben and PSXExtreme,
DJ
GuernicaReborn
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:02:30 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:05:37 PM
But now I've realized how much of an impact my words can have. It's good to know what I said helped you, and I'm going to have to be careful with my words in the future.
And if this isn't a testimonial to my completely unbiased approach to gaming, and how I handle the news for PSXE in a non-skewed way, nothing is. :)
Wage SLAVES
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 5:25:08 PM
jerocarson
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:28:08 PM
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beleive it or not, you have made alot of impact on a lot of people, and i happen to be one of them.
sumtime i just wish i could see or have a personal chat with you. m not flattering, i am speaking reality straight from my mind. i realy love psxe.
we always count on you, dont EVER let us down.
stay put.
Last edited by jerocarson on 2/12/2009 9:31:20 PM
Akuma07
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 9:39:50 PM
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With Ben and Arnold being our parents. =]
hahahaha.
I personally, have learnt to take a more open-minded approach to gaming over the last couple of weeks, through the forum here.
I was even the one trying to expose a possible RROD for the ps3 =]
which for those of you who dont read the forums, is nothing =]
ps92117
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 10:17:10 PM
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PSN _HAITIAN_JB
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 11:32:15 PM
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Ben & Arnold are the man
and today I finally get that RROD fear out of my chest and I bought a 360 Elite with a copy of GOW 2 but I haven't get the XBL yet now I'm broke but later on this week I'll have a Tag but just hope I don't get that rrod cause I'm going to play the hell of that machine.
Fabi
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 12:55:15 AM
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You and Arnold keep up the good work, as long as your community respects you and knows what you're about, that's all you need. I don't post as much as I used to, but believe me, I'm a Psxextreme addict! I'm on it at home, at work, and on my G1.
Keep bringing us that PSX flavor!
Last edited by Fabi on 2/13/2009 12:55:39 AM
Deleted User
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 1:06:31 AM
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englishgolfer
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 2:51:37 AM
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convergecrew
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 2:52:38 AM
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DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 5:39:29 AM
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Edge are incorrect in their review. Flowery content and a low score - there's no substance to their review, they should be ashamed of the editorial.
By the same token, psx should not really have risen to the bait.
Comments are fine because it's the community talking, they are only reacting to the original articles. therefore, it's upto the original journos to present consistent lines throughout articles.
To me, seeing all this pan out has been most amusing.
chicko1983
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 7:35:57 AM
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Personally though, I think PSXE is one of the best sites for news, previews and reviews of anything ps3 related and that is what keeps making me come back here - not the editorials.
Last edited by chicko1983 on 2/13/2009 7:36:53 AM
Kingharris
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 7:40:05 AM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 10:26:16 AM
Skatejimmy5
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 8:06:28 AM
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Sir Shak
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 8:48:07 AM
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Thus, proving Ben's point that a bullshit numerical score does have an impact on the market.
And might I dare to add that a zombie game is no more of an innovation than an fps , the thing Edge bends over for while reviewing games.
Last edited by Sir Shak on 2/13/2009 8:49:04 AM
Wage SLAVES
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 5:28:47 PM
pyro117
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 9:46:28 AM
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I did review Ben's initial aricle, the Edge review and the 2 subsequent articles. I do agree with what Ben was trying to do in his first article and still agree. I also applaud Ben/PSXExtreme for actually repsonding to the chatter in such a professional manner.
Thanks and keep up the great work you guys are doing.
migabyte
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 9:57:40 AM
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DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 10:20:07 AM
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migabyte
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 10:20:35 AM
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http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/208812/onechanbara-bikini-samurai-squad/
Kind of makes me think of some of these guys:
http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-top-7-stereotypical-gamers-we-hate/a-2008032410612871091
the games radar guys are funny, I like their articles.
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 10:30:09 AM
Thereby eliminating the games are so subjective comment.
This is what "enraged" som many people about the KZ2 review.
You cant effectively base a total score on the story and originality. You might as well be reviewing a movie.
Norman D
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 10:34:29 AM
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thanks again for being a shining light in the world of videogame-journalism Ben
it's good to have at least one site where things are just "said like it is"
it's hard these days to not pick a side but it's just growing pains for the industry, most of us are still getting out of our moody teenage years (no matter how old we are) and some are already grown up. I honestly don't believe that most reviewers know what they mean when they say they wwant something in a game, for example: innovation? it's not in very many games in the past couple of years, what we have is technological innovation and not as much gameplay innovation but still, there's more subtle innovations happening in every game....just look at the high-rated games of late, hoe much "innovation" is in them?? not much, if any
to use a paraphrased quote as an analogy "you got to be good-looking 'cause your so hard to see" keep being good-lookin Ben
Last edited by Norman D on 2/13/2009 10:37:20 AM
migabyte
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 10:44:38 AM
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I glanced at "the review". The thing is no one would even see it if it weren't for metacritic. I was a PS1 fanboy before the stupid word existed (I pioneer I like to consider myself, a pioneer of a evil race of dorks). But I grew up, got a job (many), had kids (no, just kidding). I love games, and love looking at the sites and stuff, but I just don't care, and neither should you. I probably won't even buy KZ2 (RE5 is more my fancy), and a lot of people who were angered by this probably won't either. It's not worth your anger. In summation: Being a fanboy won't last forever, just enjoy what you have, and hope that others do as well.
P.S. I never want to type the word fanboy again, I hate that stupid word.
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 10:51:17 AM
Everyone who was going to buy KZ2, still will. People know more about the game than to take edge's review seriously. tbh honest I think the press KZ2 is ghetting recently will probablysway the marginals in favours as well.
(PS I'm not a fanboy - i own a pc - doenst everyone?)
(NB: I too had a PS1, etc..., and I have 3 kids in addition (no kidding))
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:15:00 AM
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DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:17:13 AM
Reply
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:19:33 AM
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DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:26:51 AM
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:24:51 AM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 12:36:58 PM
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 1:09:39 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 1:12:59 PM
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 1:22:05 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 2:05:07 PM
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 6:45:03 PM
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 8:41:20 PM
ceedot
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:21:50 PM
DigitalStorm
Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 8:34:51 AM
migabyte
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:27:46 AM
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migabyte
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 11:33:19 AM
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Ya, your right, I did care enough to post, but I am not a normal consumer. I like games more than most average people. But The gamepro thing kind got me riled up, people should relax about review scores. But music is my other relax about passion, and if someone gave radiohead a 50%, I would be mad, but I would also think "who cares, they are stupid anyways".
Anyways, nice debating with you, I guess we agree to disagree (But I kind of still think that we agree).
Robochic
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 5:19:18 PM
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Wage SLAVES
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 5:33:47 PM
jerocarson
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 6:02:49 PM
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 8:43:19 PM
DigitalStorm
Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 3:38:55 AM
Advertising is intrinsically linked to traffic.
It's what makes the web go round.
Whatever you think about my comment re discussing/arguing/flaming - it still stands as a valid point. You just picked out flaming without giving credence first two items; both of which are perfectly acceptable traits in a personality.
If you don’t argue, then I'd classify that as unheathly and downright weird.
DigitalStorm
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 6:46:34 PM
migabyte
Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 9:04:05 PM
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BikerSaint
Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 3:06:00 AM
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homer4
Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 1:38:52 PM
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Though I understand your point of view I simply disagree with it for a few reasons.
Edge scores on average are lower. Look on their statistics page on Gamerankings; they review, on average 12.3% lower on the games they review compared to everyone else. 7 in Edge's review system isn't the definition of an average game; its a good one. So to compare their score as like for like is silly in my opinion. Their isnt a standard unit for Opinion whatever gamerankings may think. If you did try to standardise an EDGE review , a 7 would be about 8 which is, though below average, is hardly an outlier.
Also, Opinion is opinion. If the writer is frustrated by this game for whatever reason it is their opinion. Do you think a writer should give something a higher score just because he believes he needs to be part of a critical consensus. Now that would by lying to the consumer. And before someone suggests the reviewer should be completly objective, just think what that means. Though its important to be free of bias (which I'm sure such a long running and well respected multi format magazine is), a review is still inherently an opinion piece. So to suggest that a person shouldnt put their opinion in a review, that's just doesn't make any sense. If they don't think its a must buy for their average reader, that's their opinion.
Last edited by homer4 on 2/14/2009 1:40:19 PM

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N a S a H
Reply
Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 4:00:37 PM
No doubt.