Playing video games can be a lot of fun. But, writing a critique on them can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the gaming world. We’ve put together some crucial tips to help you craft an impressive video game review.
Playing the Game and Taking Notes
One of the best ways to write game reviews is to keep taking notes while you play. Do not get too indulged in the game. Keep reminding yourself you’re playing it to write a review. While you’re playing, you’d note several features and different aspects of different stages. It is better to pause the game right away and jot it down. Otherwise, you’ll forget some of the details when you’ll sit to write later. Experts at Essay Zoo also suggest that playing a game to write a review is the best way. You can ask your gamer friends for feedback or read online reviews, but you won’t be able to craft an impressive piece until you experience it yourself. So, never rely on others’ feedback to write your own. Experiencing it yourself gives you the advantage of checking all its features. Besides, it also allows you to make an opinion about it.
Consequently, you’d be able to write a great piece. But remember to keep noting everything down, even if you’re good at making mental notes. Taking notes will help you create an outline and not miss anything important. And it will also allow you to write your draft fastly and appropriately. So, spare a reasonable amount of time for playing and taking notes. You can play it for several hours before you start writing your first draft.
Prepare an Impactful Introduction
Want to know how to write video game reviews that leave an impression? If so, make sure you understand the proper structure. Your draft should be divided into three parts:
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
But this doesn’t mean you have to put a heading before each section. Simply divide your video game review into logical paragraphs. The first paragraph is the introduction. The last paragraph is the conclusion. And the paragraphs in the middle are the body. To create an impact, ensure your introduction is impressive. Here are some suggestions to craft a great intro:
- It must include a hook to engage the reader right from the start
- Avoid using cliche statements
- Start with an exciting background statement
- Mention the name of the game you’re reviewing and its launching date etc
- Give an interesting fact and your opinion about it briefly
Explain The Gameplay
After the introduction, explain the reason behind your opinion. Tell the reader more about the different aspects of the game, such as:
- Sound effects
- Visuals
- Difficulty level
But, above all, you must explain the story and why it is played. Explain it in a way that you’re telling someone who has never played it.
- What are players required to do?
- Why is gameplay compelling?
- What is the ultimate motive of players?
- What challenges do they have to face to achieve it?
- How are these challenges overcome?
There is a lot of explanation other than the graphics and sounds. But, if you feel stuck, check out some essays on video games available online. Reading them will give you an idea about how to go about it. You can also opt to take professional writing help if you think you can’t do it on your own. Writing reviews can be challenging, especially when you have a lot on your plate. And, it’s okay to ask for help.
Be Concise and Straight To The Point
Are you wondering how to rate a game? The simple way to do so would be to gather the overall experience and rate it on a scale of 1-10. Do keep these questions in mind when rating:
- Did I enjoy it while playing?
- Did you feel like playing again after quitting it?
- Were the sound effects pleasing or annoying?
- Was it easy to understand?
- What ages of players can play it?
- Does it have a message?
- Does it contain violence?
Having these questions in mind will help you craft an impressive game critique. However, make sure you don’t go overboard. Include only relevant details that are concise and straight to the point. Explaining the same issue in different ways won’t do you any good. It will give a wrong impression to the reader. So, have a clear outline in your mind. And write your critique precisely. Besides, ensure you have divided it into logical paragraphs and have maintained cohesiveness.
Don’t Add Spoilers
It is effortless to give spoilers when reviewing something without even realizing it. Remember, you don’t have to reveal the plot twist or climax. Although giving spoilers won’t decrease the reader’s enjoyment when they play it, it is not recommended. If it is inevitable to reveal some crucial details, provide a spoiler alert. It will allow the reader to decide whether or not to continue reading it. If you’re writing this critique for your blog, you must remember this tip. If you’re writing it for a class assignment, your professor will also note all of these points. So, make sure you follow all the rules of crafting an excellent critique. When writing an essay about video games, don’t forget to give your opinion. Also, your conclusion must have a rating and whether you recommend it to others or not.
Compare the Game with Previous Releases
Another crucial aspect to keep in mind is to discuss the previous releases or versions. If the game you’re reviewing is the latest version, compare it with the earlier versions. Here are some questions to consider:
- Which version is the most popular among gamers and why?
- What are the differences and similarities between these versions?
- Was it necessary to launch a new version?
- Does the new version cater to the issues found in the previous versions?
- Can the players easily transit from the earlier version to the new one?
The answers to these questions will give a unique angle to your critique. Inscribing about the current game features only could be boring. So, don’t forget to add exciting yet relevant details.
All in all, crafting a critique requires good writing skills and some techniques. Now that you know the techniques of writing a great review make sure you keep them in mind. These tips are sure to help you craft a perfect piece.
Keyword: How to Write a Great Video Game Review