Yes, those lovely guys from Eidos are at it again, allowing magazines to break their strict embargo for Batman: Arkham Asylum reviews if they give the game 90%+ and put the game on the front cover.
http://ramraider.blogspot.com/2009/07/eidos-seek-90-score-cover-for-arkham.html
When will they learn?
http://ramraider.blogspot.com/2009/07/eidos-seek-90-score-cover-for-arkham.html
Unlike our no-longer-regularly-updated blog, corruption in the games industry has so far failed to go into hibernation. In the week that Eidos has breathed its last, theyve decided to go out with a bang by brazenly attempting to artificially hype up their forthcoming Arkham Asylum release.
Several mags have their review code already, but have to sit on their reviews until a hateful embargo expires at the end of the month. But Eidos, ever the helpful fellows that they are, have been offering a way around this embargo. If you dedicate the cover of your mag to Arkham Asylum and guarantee a score of at least 90%, Eidos will allow you to run the review early.
We know that one editor has already valiantly told Eidos to fuck off, but we cant tell you which to protect our Anonymous Dark Knight. We also asked the usually chatty UK Officially Corrupt Xbox 360 Magazine editor Jon Hicks about it, who tellingly clammed up tighter than a nuns cunt at the mere mention.
But what of the others? Well, theres an exciting way to find out in the form of a game that you can play at home over the next month called Spot The Corrupt Arkham Asylum Review. You see, Arkham Asylum is a decentish release thats not quite up to par when it comes to variety and depth. This means even the most charitable outlets should settle at no more than the 80s in their verdicts, but dont be surprised if you see a few 7s from the pseuds.
This means that if you see a mag turn up within the next few weeks (ding!) that features Arkham Asylum on its cover (ding!) and gives it at least 90% (ding ding ding!), you have a winner.
Exciting
When will they learn?