The quest system on BoardGaming.com is intended to reward people for submitting good game reviews. Of course good is in the eye of the beholder. But, there are certainly some common things that most people like to see in a review.
So, we’d like to put together a nice concise guide to help new users know what makes up a good user review. Let’s define a “good review” as: A review that is more likely to get people to respond “Yes” to the question “Was this review helpful?”
We certainly aren’t expecting every user to submit lengthly, comprehensive reviews. Sometimes, a single paragraph is perfectly sufficient to get a point across, and that point might strike a chord with other users. However, experience shows that most of the time short reviews get poor ratings.
What are the main set of tips that you would give a new user to help guide them to write the types of reviews that are going to help them become a high level critic?
One person’s point of view on what makes a good review is not enough, so that is why we are requesting your input. Let the brainstorm begin …
Longer than a paragraph. If what’s written is just a brief touch on what the person likes/dislikes about the game or is overly brief, it does no good and amount to little more than saying “I liked it!”
Reviews should either try to sway a person one way or another on the game, or provide enough information that the reader can make an informed decision.
There’s just not enough meat to make it worthwhile in a single paragraph review.
A good review is a conundrum. It needs to be thorough, yet concise. Personally I don’t care as much about “components value” and such, those who do, may be happy with a few photos of the game’s contents that can be looked at (similar to the 7 wonders profile)
So what’s left? Gameplay, Target audience, what seperates from similar games
Target audience is 1 sentence
Gameplay and what makes this game “different” are the real meat of a review in my opinion.
another question we need to consider is should the reviews be tailored to a new gamer, or should we assume a certain level of game familiarity? ( ie could you describe something as “like Other Game X”?)
Elements of Good Review:
1) Who’s it for? I think it’s a good idea to stress who will like it… family, gamers, other game likers (?)
2) Description of Components: Quality of parts, Design and Art Fit Theme, Value for money, Rulebook is GOOD
3) The Game Play: A brief description of the game that could include setup, mechanics, scoring, comparisons to other games, type of game (Co-op, worker placement), etc.
4) Pro and Con Lists are nice
5) Final Thoughts or Conclusion
When I review a game I try and take into consideration the target audience. I don’t go into a kids game looking to tickle the strategy itch, nor do I expect to enjoy it all that much… but, if my kids smile, I know it’s working. It’s hard to me discerning, but a good review tries hard.
I don’t always have these in my reviews, but I should. I do believe a form with questions could really help. It doesn’t have to be complex, and all fields do not need to be filled out, but it could help remind people the types of things they should be talking about. If you need help with the design, I’d be glad to provide my services as a designer pro-bono. 🙂
I want to see a brief summary what the game is about. Then what is good about the game, what is bad. Last a decision help, who should buy the game.
For expansions:
What is new compared to the base game. Liked, not liked. Do I need the expansion?
Basically, I prefer a review that goes beyond expressing pure emotion like “It’s the best!” or “I hate it”. It’s of no value to me without some more explanation then just emotion. Tell me why you like it or hate it. I think a good paragraph is a start, not just one or two sentences.
I personally prefer reviews to touch on the mechanics some or theme and the more in-depth, the more I’m likely to think it’s helpful. The more I know about the game, the more I can get a sense of the game.
I certainly don’t mind criticism about a popular game or even I game I like, so long as you can explain your reason for criticizing it well.
Please feel free to express your emotions, just tell me why!
I think that a good review needs some form of game summary for those that are not familiar with the way a game plays and some type of opinion. Most of my reviews are no more than one or two paragraphs, and they seem to be getting “yes” responses.