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Edge Issue 208 Scores (NSMB Wii, Ratchet, Forza, GTA, Tekken...)
- Thread starter Majora
- Start date
WrenchNinja
Member
What is this and how did it score so well?
Sho_Nuff82
Member
Wow at NSMB.
From what I hear L&D is > GTAIV, and Gay Tony > L&D, so I'm kind of surprised that a $40 package with the two expansions would score lower than vanilla GTAIV.
From what I hear L&D is > GTAIV, and Gay Tony > L&D, so I'm kind of surprised that a $40 package with the two expansions would score lower than vanilla GTAIV.
Blue Geezer
Member
Cromulent_Word said:
people talk about edge not being what it was but look at the reaction from a dev and it shows that the magazine is still significant.
Davey Cakes
Member
Because GTA games getting better scores than Mario platformers makes me feel like I just had a knife driven through my heart?Dabanton said:
Yeah, I'm just not a big fan of GTA.
Cosmonaut X
Member
M.I.S. said:
8, I think.
I though MKWii was aces, and there have been plenty of times I've disagreed with Edge previously, but I'm interested to see what the review says.
SirPenguin
Member
batbeg said:
Now THAT is just plain bizarre. I thought someone mentioned they don't like how easy/safe Nintendo games are?
Visualante
Member
Tony Mott | Editor in Chief | Edge (UK)
GR: Does a perfect score mean a perfect game?
Tony: What we used to do a long time ago was assign a word equivalent to each score from 1 to 10, and at that point 10 represented 'revolutionary'. And more recently we realised that having the scores spelled out like that was, in a way, holding us back from using the full scale by definition we could only give a game 10 if it really was revolutionary, and we wanted to be able to use the whole scale.
If next to 10 on our reviews intro today it said 'perfect', then that's what 10 would mean. We changed all that because we'd get people arguing about whether or not games we had given 10 were actually revolutionary. So we deliberately changed it and said that the numbers on the scale were simply the numbers on the scale, so 1 = one, and so on. It was a slightly tongue-in-cheek thing to do, and we took some flak for it, but ultimately it helps to simplify the process, and it removes a lot of the unnecessary dialogue that can surround these things.
So now we just say, the scale is 1 to 10 and a 10 is a 10. You should be able to interpret that as you will. The fact that we've only given a small number of games 10 out of 10 speaks for itself. Ultimately Id hope, as we all do, that when your review of Halo 3 consists of four pages of text, your readers would pay more attention to what the writer has to say about the game rather than the little digit at the end.
GR: Does Edge have a set criteria of what a 10 should be, then?
Tony: This sort of thing is indefinable, I think. You can't use a checklist. If Tetris was invented today, I suppose you'd have to give it 10, but if you take that game apart, you can't say it's in any way a 10 apart from what it is as a whole. You can't break it down beyond that. You can get into an argument where you say 'Well, the graphics are perfect' because they're perfectly functional, they do their job perfectly. But I don't like to think about review scoring as a kind of science.
Above: In its 14 year history only six games have ever received a perfect score from Edge. They are Super Mario 64 (pictured), Gran Turismo, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Halo, Half-Life 2 and Halo 3
GR: Do you think 10s are dished out a bit too liberally?
Tony: It's difficult having a scale of 1 to 10 and so rarely using that upper-most point because it can make you look like you're being snobby or difficult just for the sake of it. Broadly speaking, though, I do think 10s are thrown about a bit too casually. I do see some 10s that strike me as misleading to the consumer. I think when the consumer sees 10 on the page it should make them stop and think about it. It should make them think, 'This isn't just a game that's recommended; I actually must have this game'.
I don't want to get too much into the debate about BioShock, but I was surprised at the amount of 10s it received. The Metacritic rating for that game is insane. I really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't ever feel comfortable giving 10 to BioShock, not because it isnt revolutionary or anything like that, but because it doesnt feel like a 10 to me. But now we're getting into the debate that people are having all the time on the internet.
GR: Ultimately, then, 10 can be a flawed masterpiece?
Tony: Well, if you take Halo 3 as an example - absolutely. If you looked at Halo 3 in a scientific way - which is why I say I don't like to think about it as a science - if you broke it down and said 'Is the story brilliant? Is the story flawless?' Absolutely not. The story is actually not especially good. But, if you look at it as a whole...
Obviously we reviewed Halo 3 some time ago, but going on the community that's already built around it and certainly the experiences I've had with it and my friends are having with it and all of our readers are having with it, all of that evidence is testament to the greatness of the game as a whole. If you don't look at it scientifically and if you look at it more as, I dont know, 'Am I having a 10s worth of entertainment out of this?' I think most people - if they like first-person shooters and if they like the series - would agree.
GamesRadar
GR: Does a perfect score mean a perfect game?
Tony: What we used to do a long time ago was assign a word equivalent to each score from 1 to 10, and at that point 10 represented 'revolutionary'. And more recently we realised that having the scores spelled out like that was, in a way, holding us back from using the full scale by definition we could only give a game 10 if it really was revolutionary, and we wanted to be able to use the whole scale.
If next to 10 on our reviews intro today it said 'perfect', then that's what 10 would mean. We changed all that because we'd get people arguing about whether or not games we had given 10 were actually revolutionary. So we deliberately changed it and said that the numbers on the scale were simply the numbers on the scale, so 1 = one, and so on. It was a slightly tongue-in-cheek thing to do, and we took some flak for it, but ultimately it helps to simplify the process, and it removes a lot of the unnecessary dialogue that can surround these things.
So now we just say, the scale is 1 to 10 and a 10 is a 10. You should be able to interpret that as you will. The fact that we've only given a small number of games 10 out of 10 speaks for itself. Ultimately Id hope, as we all do, that when your review of Halo 3 consists of four pages of text, your readers would pay more attention to what the writer has to say about the game rather than the little digit at the end.
GR: Does Edge have a set criteria of what a 10 should be, then?
Tony: This sort of thing is indefinable, I think. You can't use a checklist. If Tetris was invented today, I suppose you'd have to give it 10, but if you take that game apart, you can't say it's in any way a 10 apart from what it is as a whole. You can't break it down beyond that. You can get into an argument where you say 'Well, the graphics are perfect' because they're perfectly functional, they do their job perfectly. But I don't like to think about review scoring as a kind of science.
Above: In its 14 year history only six games have ever received a perfect score from Edge. They are Super Mario 64 (pictured), Gran Turismo, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Halo, Half-Life 2 and Halo 3
GR: Do you think 10s are dished out a bit too liberally?
Tony: It's difficult having a scale of 1 to 10 and so rarely using that upper-most point because it can make you look like you're being snobby or difficult just for the sake of it. Broadly speaking, though, I do think 10s are thrown about a bit too casually. I do see some 10s that strike me as misleading to the consumer. I think when the consumer sees 10 on the page it should make them stop and think about it. It should make them think, 'This isn't just a game that's recommended; I actually must have this game'.
I don't want to get too much into the debate about BioShock, but I was surprised at the amount of 10s it received. The Metacritic rating for that game is insane. I really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't ever feel comfortable giving 10 to BioShock, not because it isnt revolutionary or anything like that, but because it doesnt feel like a 10 to me. But now we're getting into the debate that people are having all the time on the internet.
GR: Ultimately, then, 10 can be a flawed masterpiece?
Tony: Well, if you take Halo 3 as an example - absolutely. If you looked at Halo 3 in a scientific way - which is why I say I don't like to think about it as a science - if you broke it down and said 'Is the story brilliant? Is the story flawless?' Absolutely not. The story is actually not especially good. But, if you look at it as a whole...
Obviously we reviewed Halo 3 some time ago, but going on the community that's already built around it and certainly the experiences I've had with it and my friends are having with it and all of our readers are having with it, all of that evidence is testament to the greatness of the game as a whole. If you don't look at it scientifically and if you look at it more as, I dont know, 'Am I having a 10s worth of entertainment out of this?' I think most people - if they like first-person shooters and if they like the series - would agree.
GamesRadar
semiconscious
Member
painey said:
agreed - beginning a review by describing all the things the game isn't is a pretty cheap tactic, & could basically be used equally effectively on any game...
Nuclear Muffin
Banned
What do they say about NSMB? (I bet they rated it down for including the Super Guide option)
Vast Inspiration
Banned
painey said:
Bullshit, it was a great review and it wouldn't have been lousy if the score had been one point higher.
Those are SPECIFIC things noted in the review. And they are fair.
And even then, the review showers praise...
The only thing lousy is shitty fanboy whining.
Visualante
Member
Their preview was largely comparing it to SMB3's powerups, they were just disappointed with the gameplay. In light of that preview at E3, I'd say a 7 is an alright score from Edge.Nuclear Muffin said:
This just in, Scotland no longer part of Europe!Dabanton said:
Was that part of a clever joke or did you really not know that the mainline GTA series is a DMA Design, sorry Rockstar North production, which, unless if something very drastic has happened, is still in Edinburgh.
Anyway, interesting issue. I have Borderlands on order via Steam and can't back out now, but I wonder what made them hit the game down to a 6, I guess I'll have to buy the issue to find out.
ChoklitReign
Member
This thread is in dire need of the Borderlands Defense Force. Go on, name every nitpicky flaw with the game you have with it. I'd love to see more than five.
Mr. Durden
Banned
I love my Uncharted 2 as much as most of you guys. I mean the game looks amazing, the presentation is of the highest level... but let's be real, the gameplay could be so much better. The simply amazing presentation and graphics make it so that you can see past the just above average gameplay the game houses, but not that it matters. Uncharted 2 is like a big hollywood blockbuster that amazes you in so many ways that the flaws don't really matter, but a perfect 10 is just a bit too much.painey said:
ChoklitReign said:
1). I don't own it
2). I don't have any money at the moment
3). Borderlands? What kind of name is that?
4). The cover is pretty offensive
5). Maybe that guy on the cover is suicidal, shouldn't someone help him?
6). I really wish I owned this game
There. Some flaws.
Vast Inspiration
Banned
Mr. Durden said:
Bubububu, the graphics make me cum all over my own face. How can it not be a 10?!?!
Vast Inspiration said:
Its a description, not a review. No mention of the story, new characters, voice acting. No mention of the new co-op mode, no mention of the online multiplayer which are huge aspects of the game. Far too little information for people who want to know if its worth their money.
Anerythristic
Member
ChoklitReign said:
I am really having an excellent time with Borderlands. I don't tend to get mad at reviews. The game is really lots of fun and IMO was well worth every penny.
Vast Inspiration
Banned
:lol :lol :lolpainey said:
No, its was a review. What YOU wanted would be a description. They didn't spoil anything and they gave their opinions on the game. And Edge reviews don't go into specific description of each element of the game. Just look at the Forza review.
You either don't know what a good review is, or you've never read anything from Edge before.
McBradders
NeoGAF: my new HOME
ChoklitReign said:
This is the last thing this thread needs.
Mr. Durden said:
Pretty much this. Best game on the PS3, easily, and contender for GOTY but that does not mean it is anywhere near perfect. My only complaint is that it might be a little too guided (more apparent in successive playthroughs). But still one of the best gaming experiences in a long while.
WrenchNinja
Member
Halo 3 got a 10 at Edge? Seriously? That's surprising.Visualante said:
m.i.s.
Banned
entrement said:
This is true. But a 9 is still better than 7.
As others have said, we need to see the text of the review.
I, personally, would have thought that a 2d Mario bros game would work better as a game played on the single screen of a TV - as time honoured Mario sidescrollers of the past attest.
Plus this time nintendo have 480 vertical pixels to play with on the Wii version as opposed to the DS's 192. ie much more room for more detailed and intricate gameplay (in theory).
brain_stew said:
I dont know. Why is it foolish for me to be skeptical that any NSMB game (you know, Nintendo's flagship franchise and follow up to one of the greatest games on the DS) would be legitimately scored worse than Operation Flashpoint? (reviewed elsewhere as competent but with some flaws) And by EDGE no less. They tend to march to the beat of a slightly different drummer and seem to enjoy being slightly controversial.
You people get your panties twisted way too easily.
Kai Dracon
Writing a dinosaur space opera symphony
I can't imagine what the beef with NSMB is aside from the fact that it's "only" 2D platforming and nothing else, no value-added gimmicks or epic set pieces by the standards of modern billion dollar games.
And the Borderlands score is pure bullshit. I have expect though, the criticism to be that it's just not as exciting as Halo 3 and Call of Duty because it isn't as dynamic with all the cool set piece battles and hollywood cut scenes. Which would be entirely missing the point of the game or what genre it is. (Which is practically its own genre.)
This is why I don't like Edge's policy of faceless editorial reviews though. It's impossible that every editor and reviewer at the magazine felt the same about each title. Without being able to learn which guy has which hang-ups, we can't really tell if specific crits in a given review are honest or due to pet peeves.
And the Borderlands score is pure bullshit. I have expect though, the criticism to be that it's just not as exciting as Halo 3 and Call of Duty because it isn't as dynamic with all the cool set piece battles and hollywood cut scenes. Which would be entirely missing the point of the game or what genre it is. (Which is practically its own genre.)
This is why I don't like Edge's policy of faceless editorial reviews though. It's impossible that every editor and reviewer at the magazine felt the same about each title. Without being able to learn which guy has which hang-ups, we can't really tell if specific crits in a given review are honest or due to pet peeves.
SirPenguin
Member
Kusagari said:
Which is why it's strange the Wii version, which seemingly improves on everything NSMB DS did, scores lower!
Anyways, enough defense forcing. I'll wait for the review excerpts
Dead Prince
Banned
GOOO Uncharted 2 <3
Or maybe just brutally honest and not 'going with the flow'.danielijohnson said:
Personally I don't know because I haven't played half of those games yet.
Surprised @ the 9 for GTA. I'm actually with Pachter on this - I had little interest in GTA4 because it was TOO BIG. These bite-size GTAs are far more interesting to me.
EDIT: AND DAMN THE POSTAL STRIKE FOR NOT GETTING MY COPY OF EDGE TO ME TODAY! Lazy fucks.