For me, the most informative reviews are not ones that take a generic approach to a review and compare it against other games in the genre but those in which the reviewer personally states his likes and dislikes often and mentions the particulars that made the game special (or not so special) to them.
I'd say that's one of the biggest reasons that Tycho and Gabe are so respected. I know that Tycho likes computer games of the strategy variety and Gabe prefers action packed consoles, and so when I read their opinion of a game, I take into account the reviewer and compare their personal likes to mine. Generally, I like games that Tycho recommends, and know that if Gabe really enjoys a game, it's probably not going to be my cup of tea.
The best thing that a review site can do is provide an easily accessible background on each of the reviewers, containing the genres they like and mention specific games which they have liked and disliked. Also, provide and easy way of identifying particular reviewers, such as the picture icons PA uses. Eventually, people will figure out what reviewers they agree with and trust.
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I'd say that's one of the biggest reasons that Tycho and Gabe are so respected. I know that Tycho likes computer games of the strategy variety and Gabe prefers action packed consoles, and so when I read their opinion of a game, I take into account the reviewer and compare their personal likes to mine. Generally, I like games that Tycho recommends, and know that if Gabe really enjoys a game, it's probably not going to be my cup of tea.
The best thing that a review site can do is provide an easily accessible background on each of the reviewers, containing the genres they like and mention specific games which they have liked and disliked. Also, provide and easy way of identifying particular reviewers, such as the picture icons PA uses. Eventually, people will figure out what reviewers they agree with and trust.