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More reviews accepted, though one was denied! I was being mean ._.
InfectionFiles- 04/03/2016 05:28 PM
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I kinda doubt "This is too mean" is a reason for a review to be rejected. I'm not sure what reason was given, but, what you do have is an opportunity to re-think how you word your positions, clean up random mistakes (they happen), or what-have you.
Well the reason was "Mean-spirited" which is was. The game is crap but I was being too harsh I guess
I've been known to write a harsh review here and there, but I always go through it and make sure everything's constructive. Your statements can say this is crap and be true. Your statements can even give a solid reason for it to be crap, and be true. However, it's really easy to use this as a vehicle to browbeat whoever you're reviewing. I don't know what you said in your review, but as an example, I will say that a review's conclusion should never be, "Cannot be fixed: deposit in garbage". One of the best ways to keep a review constructive is to avoid that mindset and to look for ways to point out fixes.
Shorthand, feel free to use harsh language, but make sure you put a silver lining behind it.
Shorthand, feel free to use harsh language, but make sure you put a silver lining behind it.
Check out the game Dilemma and you'll see it would be difficult to leave anything constructive lol
Probably better either way it didn't get accepted. It doesn't really matter because the game in question isn't really game :P
Probably better either way it didn't get accepted. It doesn't really matter because the game in question isn't really game :P
Already played it, and now I understand this status much more XD
I think the worst part is that the description bills it as a study on choice, but there really isn't one.
I think the worst part is that the description bills it as a study on choice, but there really isn't one.
author=unity
Already played it, and now I understand this status much more XD
I think the worst part is that the description bills it as a study on choice, but there really isn't one.
Yeah, that's definitely not cool. I know I could have stopped at anytime which I eventually did but I stuck with it for like 20minutes or more, probably more and never saw much after peach!
Very misleading indeed lol
I haven't seen your review but I can lend you a tip from someone who loves tearing apart bad games: Don't become the AVGN of RPG Maker. Keep your tone professional, while still going into detail as to what you don't like about the game.
Make it fun, too, use metaphors to compare it to an experience that is equally as arduous and unfun, but be careful not to use it in a callous manner or add too much profanity.
Above all, don't directly address the developer or make judgements on their character in your review. That might be where the "mean-spirited" comes from. Even if their game is bad and you think the developer is a dumbass, you don't need to say that explicitly.
Make it fun, too, use metaphors to compare it to an experience that is equally as arduous and unfun, but be careful not to use it in a callous manner or add too much profanity.
Above all, don't directly address the developer or make judgements on their character in your review. That might be where the "mean-spirited" comes from. Even if their game is bad and you think the developer is a dumbass, you don't need to say that explicitly.
Haha, thanks ratty! That is helpful. I'm pretty new to reviewing but I hope I have a certain style.
looking at it I know I was being mean.
Would y'all like to see the review?
looking at it I know I was being mean.
Would y'all like to see the review?
Title: Dilemma
Author: MethodicalMermaid
Play Time: 20+mins (didn't finish)
DILEMMA
Second time I've seen this. Bog-standard boring title screen accompanied by an equally bad and confusing game...I think I see a trend here.
STORY/WRITING:
Nothing to be seen here.
GRAPHICS:
So, well, there's um...nevermind.
It's mainly 2k3 RTP with Earthbound character sprites as far as I got.
Yeah. Yikes.
There really isn't much to say here. The mapping is bad. And unlike VX Ace RTP where it kinda looks off even when well done, 2k3 RTP can be used beautifully and I suggest the developer to check out the user Corfaisus and his work with the RTP. Because this is a field I think you could strongly benefit some advice on.
Mapping is a big deal and is something everyone should try to constantly improve upon. Personally I love mapping, it's my favorite part of development. So look into that, Mermaid.
MUSIC:
As far as I can tell there is only one track and I'm pretty sure it's RTP. Just like the rest of the project there is nothing, barely anything noteworthy to discuss. The song I did hear was quite annoying to keep looping but was pretty fitting for the trippy feeling the game game off. So kudos, I guess?
GAMEPLAY:
There's not much to do but eat mushrooms, drink water and click on the multiple spawning cats and the cows to click on. As time goes by things change and happen and when the player eats/drinks their appearance changes and they get well-fed, I think? You start out starving and the more you eat/drink the more trippy stuff happens. Though I'm not sure if this is based on time alone or the amount of stuff you eat/drink or click on. Maybe it's related to footstep count but I have no idea.
Speaking of trippy at the rate you are munching down mushrooms you would be in a turtles dream floating through outer space, or dead...probably quite dead.
There is a point where you turn into Princess Peach from the Mario series and you gain a whole assortment of strange items as well as some Peach might have but...
Gotta' catch em' all, pokeball?
Overall, this is a very pointless, weird game and can strongly recommend nobody play or download this. Seriously, don't waste your time. Let the time I wasted persuade you to stay away from this game at all costs. Unless you're just morbidly curious, then go right ahead.
But this has nothing to offer and it so very, very, very, very pointless.
The best and most exciting part of the game. I'm finally leaving this nightmare.
STAY AWAY RMN!
If any admins don't want this public i'll remove it!
Edit: The game really brought out the frustration out in me so the review probably reflects that lol
Author: MethodicalMermaid
Play Time: 20+mins (didn't finish)
DILEMMA
Second time I've seen this. Bog-standard boring title screen accompanied by an equally bad and confusing game...I think I see a trend here.
STORY/WRITING:
A traveler finds themselves trapped with no way out.Don't let this game description fool you. There is absolutely no substance here. This is barely a game. There isn't any writing to be found and critiqued and the story is well...nothing? You're a Earthbound sprite stuck in a badly mapped room. You have to do stuff or not and wait until weird shit happens. I don't get this. The game was supposedly made while the developer was learning RM2k3 so not sure if this is a test game of some kind that he/she figured they would upload because it's absolutely terrible. Sorry, but it is. It shouldn't be here. This isn't just a game that tries hard and is still bad, this is something else because it's surely not a game. Awful, sorry but it is.
On the verge of starvation, the traveler must make a choice:
Wait until they succumb to hunger, or eat the only thing available...
This is a game about the concept of choices.
The psychology of making a choice between a fate that you know, and a fate you do not.
Faced with the decision, will the adventurer await the default option, or take a chance with their only alternative?
Nothing to be seen here.
GRAPHICS:
So, well, there's um...nevermind.
It's mainly 2k3 RTP with Earthbound character sprites as far as I got.
Yeah. Yikes.
There really isn't much to say here. The mapping is bad. And unlike VX Ace RTP where it kinda looks off even when well done, 2k3 RTP can be used beautifully and I suggest the developer to check out the user Corfaisus and his work with the RTP. Because this is a field I think you could strongly benefit some advice on.
Mapping is a big deal and is something everyone should try to constantly improve upon. Personally I love mapping, it's my favorite part of development. So look into that, Mermaid.
MUSIC:
As far as I can tell there is only one track and I'm pretty sure it's RTP. Just like the rest of the project there is nothing, barely anything noteworthy to discuss. The song I did hear was quite annoying to keep looping but was pretty fitting for the trippy feeling the game game off. So kudos, I guess?
GAMEPLAY:
There's not much to do but eat mushrooms, drink water and click on the multiple spawning cats and the cows to click on. As time goes by things change and happen and when the player eats/drinks their appearance changes and they get well-fed, I think? You start out starving and the more you eat/drink the more trippy stuff happens. Though I'm not sure if this is based on time alone or the amount of stuff you eat/drink or click on. Maybe it's related to footstep count but I have no idea.
Speaking of trippy at the rate you are munching down mushrooms you would be in a turtles dream floating through outer space, or dead...probably quite dead.
There is a point where you turn into Princess Peach from the Mario series and you gain a whole assortment of strange items as well as some Peach might have but...
Gotta' catch em' all, pokeball?
Overall, this is a very pointless, weird game and can strongly recommend nobody play or download this. Seriously, don't waste your time. Let the time I wasted persuade you to stay away from this game at all costs. Unless you're just morbidly curious, then go right ahead.
But this has nothing to offer and it so very, very, very, very pointless.
The best and most exciting part of the game. I'm finally leaving this nightmare.
STAY AWAY RMN!
If any admins don't want this public i'll remove it!
Edit: The game really brought out the frustration out in me so the review probably reflects that lol
First: I probably would have pointed out that this stands out as a typical first game. I would have specifically stated that it lacks direction and would benefit if the developer offered some form of instruction. Most importantly, a game that lacks purpose gets boring, eventually, and a first RPG Maker game that lacks purpose gets boring immediately, so it's really incumbent upon the developer to make clear what the player is supposed to be doing and what the goal is.
My advice here is very simple: never write a review immediately after playing a game. Always give yourself a little time to collect your thoughts. This review has a distinct air of someone trying to figure out what to say. Second: this game clearly has problems. Enumerate them. Stating the problem, by itself, suggests a solution. One thing I'd like to point out about the review is it tells you what's happening the game, it tells you what the game is and isn't about, but it doesn't explain why any of it's a problem. The overall meaning I get is that the game is confusing and that there's no clear reason for anything to happen. Explain that the dev needs to clarify what's happening. Avoid saying things like "This is a waste of time," or "This is pointless". These are comments that have a disheartening effect. Far from being compelled to correct errors, these are the words that may convince a dev to quit altogether. You're essentially saying that S/HE is wasting x/er time; that S/HE has done something pointless. Making the game was not a waste of time, nor was it pointless. It may have felt pointless to play it but don't project that on the dev. In fact, this was a very valuable learning experience for the dev, and now, in writing the review, you have the opportunity to further that learning experience. Writing a review isn't just about saying something is bad. That's what comments are for.
My advice here is very simple: never write a review immediately after playing a game. Always give yourself a little time to collect your thoughts. This review has a distinct air of someone trying to figure out what to say. Second: this game clearly has problems. Enumerate them. Stating the problem, by itself, suggests a solution. One thing I'd like to point out about the review is it tells you what's happening the game, it tells you what the game is and isn't about, but it doesn't explain why any of it's a problem. The overall meaning I get is that the game is confusing and that there's no clear reason for anything to happen. Explain that the dev needs to clarify what's happening. Avoid saying things like "This is a waste of time," or "This is pointless". These are comments that have a disheartening effect. Far from being compelled to correct errors, these are the words that may convince a dev to quit altogether. You're essentially saying that S/HE is wasting x/er time; that S/HE has done something pointless. Making the game was not a waste of time, nor was it pointless. It may have felt pointless to play it but don't project that on the dev. In fact, this was a very valuable learning experience for the dev, and now, in writing the review, you have the opportunity to further that learning experience. Writing a review isn't just about saying something is bad. That's what comments are for.
I agree with pianotm's points. This review definitely demonstrates your frustrations with this game, but that doesn't really work well in its favor. I would like to add that you probably should tone down the "STAY AWAY FROM THIS GAM" schtick because that's probably where this review could be construed as an attempt to ruin the developer's reputation, which is something we, as a community, should never encourage.
Overall, this review would be more constructive if it went into detail as to why it sucked as oppose to simply stating that it sucks. Why is the mapping bad? Why is clicking on shrooms repeatedly pointless? Be prepared to answer those when making the claim.
Overall, this review would be more constructive if it went into detail as to why it sucked as oppose to simply stating that it sucks. Why is the mapping bad? Why is clicking on shrooms repeatedly pointless? Be prepared to answer those when making the claim.
I agree with both of you guys! I think my other reviews are definitely more into those points but that's because they had stuff I could talk about. I don't think this game has an future but I realise I shouldn't even have bothered with a review and just left comments.
author=InfectionFiles
I agree with both of you guys! I think my other reviews are definitely more into those points but that's because they had stuff I could talk about. I don't think this game has an future but I realise I shouldn't even have bothered with a review and just left comments.
I don't think a review was the wrong move, here. You have the set-up for key points to touch upon already, you just need to go into more detail on those key points.
author=Ratty524author=InfectionFilesI don't think a review was the wrong move, here. You have the set-up for key points to touch upon already, you just need to go into more detail on those key points.
I agree with both of you guys! I think my other reviews are definitely more into those points but that's because they had stuff I could talk about. I don't think this game has an future but I realise I shouldn't even have bothered with a review and just left comments.
I am thinking about resubmitting with y'alls advice in mind. I'll definitely tone it down that's for sure.
Thanks guys :D
Thing is, 'high' stars require more than a 'this sucks' genericism. 1 star to 4.5 star don't require much in the way of justifying why the game is horribad or great outside of the usual explanations but when it comes to .5 and 5 star reviews you have to point out what the issues are and why you're giving such an extreme score.
Definitely listen to piano.
Also always wait a while before you write the review. Especially when it was frustrating. You may be sent back right into frustration lane writing it, but it helps to put things in order regardless.
For terribad games I usually try to find the direction it went into, and what usually makes that concept fun, and explain why it works or does not work. Many devs lack clear direction, as you pointed out, so it's good to give them a few directions their idea could have been taken to.
The worse it is, the more I try to find good points, especially with first games, really.
In this game I could try to see it as a survival game, in which case nothing is rare or scarce and no danger is to be had, or it could be a harvest-moony game where you don't have anything to build up or develop over time.
The way this seems to "make surprise things and evolution" happen over time it seems more like a mobile-principle of cookie clicker-esque stuff. It's the addictive quality of not knowing what's going to happen next and sense of mystery and excitement, but the gameplay is too long and tedious for it to shine through.
Etc.
None of these really need dialogue so badly, either. So while it's confusing, it's not inherently bad, but it's more important to make out that IF you skip dialogue entirely, every gameplay mechanic needs to be completely intuitive.
Say if you started as a lil pokemon critter and slowly went on to their evolutions as you eat stuff it makes some vague sense, and if you eat you weird glowing stuff you turn into a different pokemon, and maybe you collect an item for every pokemon you once were. Stuff like that would work without dialogue.
This helps to understand how it might have been intended, it helps to get some understanding of why mechanics are the way they are (and thus makes it easier to explain away), and even if you are completely off about that (hence different ideas mentioned since you don't know what they wanted to do), it still gives the dev a LOT to help their gam mak. Imho.
Like also pointing out why the graphics mash is bad, you want a cohesive similar artstyle throughout, so changing one thing and leaving another's bad practice.
Does it get better over the course of the game? (mapping, music selection, "fun")
This is especially important for first timers because usually you can see the progress they make, even if it's not enough to make it anywhere fun. Mapping is the thing you may most likely notice this with.
Pointing that out makes it clear that things are getting better, whatever shape or form. That's real and true encouragement even if the game is shit.
<rambling: end>
Also always wait a while before you write the review. Especially when it was frustrating. You may be sent back right into frustration lane writing it, but it helps to put things in order regardless.
For terribad games I usually try to find the direction it went into, and what usually makes that concept fun, and explain why it works or does not work. Many devs lack clear direction, as you pointed out, so it's good to give them a few directions their idea could have been taken to.
The worse it is, the more I try to find good points, especially with first games, really.
In this game I could try to see it as a survival game, in which case nothing is rare or scarce and no danger is to be had, or it could be a harvest-moony game where you don't have anything to build up or develop over time.
The way this seems to "make surprise things and evolution" happen over time it seems more like a mobile-principle of cookie clicker-esque stuff. It's the addictive quality of not knowing what's going to happen next and sense of mystery and excitement, but the gameplay is too long and tedious for it to shine through.
Etc.
None of these really need dialogue so badly, either. So while it's confusing, it's not inherently bad, but it's more important to make out that IF you skip dialogue entirely, every gameplay mechanic needs to be completely intuitive.
Say if you started as a lil pokemon critter and slowly went on to their evolutions as you eat stuff it makes some vague sense, and if you eat you weird glowing stuff you turn into a different pokemon, and maybe you collect an item for every pokemon you once were. Stuff like that would work without dialogue.
This helps to understand how it might have been intended, it helps to get some understanding of why mechanics are the way they are (and thus makes it easier to explain away), and even if you are completely off about that (hence different ideas mentioned since you don't know what they wanted to do), it still gives the dev a LOT to help their gam mak. Imho.
Like also pointing out why the graphics mash is bad, you want a cohesive similar artstyle throughout, so changing one thing and leaving another's bad practice.
Does it get better over the course of the game? (mapping, music selection, "fun")
This is especially important for first timers because usually you can see the progress they make, even if it's not enough to make it anywhere fun. Mapping is the thing you may most likely notice this with.
Pointing that out makes it clear that things are getting better, whatever shape or form. That's real and true encouragement even if the game is shit.
<rambling: end>
