Video Game Reviews: Can You Trust Them?

When choosing to purchase a video game, many people turn to the Internet to find reviews to help make the decision. Considering the prices for some games can be as high as $120, the question must be asked: can you trust the video game reviews?

To get a better understanding of a video game review, you need to take a look at the reviewer, their level of experience and preferences. Often reviewers will have a favourite game console, or be particular to a specific genre of video games. This can affect their bias on a video game review.
It is also important to consider the magazine or website where the review is being published. Ask yourself if the organisation behind the publication has any bias for certain game developers or distributors. For example, a magazine dedicated to Xbox games, accessories and news is less likely to write a negative review about the latest Xbox game. The magazine sales are directly affected by the number of Xbox owners, and if they read enough bad reviews, it will have a negative impact on the level of game and console sales, and in turn, a detrimental effect on the magazine.

It's also worth considering the advertisers in a magazine. Essentially, they are "paying the bills", so it is quite likely that will receive positive editorials, in the hope that marketing executives can squeeze more marketing dollars out of them.

So to get an unbiased video game review, where do you go? Good question! You can find a number of user-driven forums dedicated to video games on the Internet. Just try searching in Google. Take a look at the credibility and history of users posting messages in such forums. Ensure you only take all advice with a grain of salt, and you'll be able to rest assured that your next video game purchase is a smart one.

========
Ted Barker is a video game reviewer and game enthusiast. He helps people find the latest games and accessories for Playstation, Xbox, Wii and PC at his website Top Video Game Reviews.