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The Sad Unusability of Video Game Reviews (bottomfeeder.substack.com)
submitted 19 hours ago* (last edited 19 hours ago) by inlandempire@jlai.lu to c/games@sh.itjust.works
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"So I was trying to write reviews of a bunch of hit indie games I played recently. Then I got overwhelmed by the pointlessness of video game reviews these days and had to take a long nap.

And, I mean, pro reviews are pointless, right? If a game has a big enough budget or following and isn’t actively on fire, it gets a 9. If it is a competently made but low-budget indie, like mine, it gets a 7. If you read the actual review (nobody does), it’s a collection of facts about the game you could easily get from watching the trailer. Throw in a couple of comments from the reviewer about whether they like this genre or not, mix in 3 or 4 ham-handed political comments, and you got a review! Hit send!"

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[-] Krauerking@lemy.lol 15 points 14 hours ago

This was a pretty dumb read. Lots of things just slightly wrong and mostly complaining.

First of all game reviews have always been about finding a core that you can connect with your audience about as with all reviews. Maybe its the game genre, it maybe it is a style or an emotion you have at your core.
And to that there are new trusted reviewers all the time, you just aren't personally hearing about them.

A new one that has gained following is IronPineapple who set their core to darksouls like games but because of their willingness to flub the definition a bit they have character and people have flocked to them for trusted takes about skill based games.
RyeGames is becoming a trusted voice in acting as a living games historian.
No new reviewers? Bullshit.

The one thing I agree on is how useful steam reviews are. Yes or no and show the percents and see what people said. Almost always there is a synopsis review and a more emotional review to tell you if its for you or not.

[-] VitoRobles@lemmy.today 3 points 6 hours ago* (last edited 6 hours ago)

Came to say this.

One of my favorite review sites are just blogs that review games regardless of release year. They don't give a shit about whatever bullshit new fortnite skin is out or trying to chase after ad dollars.

They just play the game that looks mildly interesting, give their take, post it and go pick another game.

https://the-point-n-clicker.blogspot.com/?m=1

My favorite: he's reviewing games from 1980s-1990s.

https://crpgaddict.blogspot.com/

this post was submitted on 17 Jun 2026
77 points (93.3% liked)

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