Today out of boredom, I have decided to review gaming websites. While most of these websites do stand to provide the basic function of news+community=legitamate. There are few that stand out against the bunch. While the others do stand out but really shouldn't for any particular reason. Today I will discussing IGN, 1-UP, Giantbomb and Destructoid.

IGN, or the Imagination Games Network, is a perfect example of what can be a great idea that turns to shit. IGN was once a place I would go for news and updates on anything I would want to know about any game. The website soon expanded to news about all media. Which is great until it became more of a strict company with and less focus on news updates. This became even more of a problem with the recent website update. I remember when IGN had its channels with featured articles and other news articles that were plainly seen. However, with the site redesign I find it hard to find the other news. As they seem to be cast aside and cluttered in text links. The community aspect has grown juvenile and childish. Not the fun kind of childish either. As for news and reviews, they tend to appear later in the day and sometimes reviews of bigger games that should be out before or on day one never show up till a week later. There seem to be more "top ten" articles than remotely interesting editorials or game previews any more. The only part of the staff that seems remotely in tune with what is going on is the Nintendo staff which always has had that laid back gaming news attitude that attracted me in the first place. Sorry to say, but IGN scores two out of five apples.

1UP is quicker with its news updates and certainly does have a better direction than IGN. 1UP sports a network purely set towards gaming. 1UP contains better editorials and news articles and reviews. The website is a little iffy on the navigation front but is usually on top of things. Plus, if you don't have time to surf the web daily, 1UP also sports the magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly or EGM. 1UP scores four out of five pomme.

Finally saving the best two for last. Giantbomb, takes a different aspect towards gaming websites. It seems to flowing towards the wiki aspect and takes professionalism to a whole new level by delivering on a platter of honest truth. They only report news that is substantially important to the gaming world and cater to the community by allowing members to build on the wiki pages of the website and develop any sort of guide you would like for video games. The site seems to on the track for delivering even more community features along the way. However, it would be nice with a couple more editorials and better news updates. Overall Giantbomb scores four out of five manzana.

Finally, Destructoid. Do I have to describe? With oustanding community support, users can have their blogs promoted directly to the front page if so chosen by gods of Destructoid. The forums are a bit clunky but don't weigh the website down as they aren't used much. The news is updated every twenty minutes or less. Contests are held by members and the website owners as well. Anyone can win or be apart of this cummunity and can customize it to their liking. Destructoid lands a five out of five apfel.