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Do Game Review Scores Matter?
jasoncart writes "This piece on Ferrago discusses the use of review scores and the significance they play in gamers purchasing decisions. Ultimately, according to columnist Ben Parfitt, review scores are pointless." From the article: "Few things wind me up more than when what appeared to be a well-balanced and thoughtful gaming discussion descends into a successive barrage of review scores and Gamerankings ratings."
If IGN or Gamespot or Gamespy or EGM give a review that seems to be an anomaly, ignore it. It's a bought review.
You can be sure that at Gamers.com there are no bought reviews. In fact, in certain situations we've even received hate email by developers and publishers for not praising their game. We report what we consider to be fair and just, despite all the buzz.
Of course, not everyone should trust a single reviewer's opinion over a particular title. That's why we have a special section (Newest Games) in our forums to let new games fall under even more scrutiny by our members.
Between reading a review and following up on other gamers opinions, one should have a rough idea if the game is worth purchasing.