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I think some of the problem is that people feel a bad review detracts from their game experience. Like saying Apples suck while someone is eating a Apple suddenly turns it into snakes.
That or people don't understand a review isn't by some magical KING OF GAMES who knows how they personally feel about the game.
I liked FFXIII, especially the music, and realize that your opinion is exactly that, one mans opinion, one I respect, but not always agree with.
That or people don't understand a review isn't by some magical KING OF GAMES who knows how they personally feel about the game.
I liked FFXIII, especially the music, and realize that your opinion is exactly that, one mans opinion, one I respect, but not always agree with.
As someone who really enjoyed FFXIII, you hating FFXIII doesn't bother me at all. I respect your opinion. Why can't people just STFU about reviews and enjoy their friggin' games? It's not like you giving FFXIII a 4 makes it a better or worse game. Just wanted to say thank you for having an opinion and not caving in to the fanboys.
I have to agree with Pappadukes. Thanks for taking the time to write this, not that I was a naysayer. (Is that spelled correctly?) It's sort of common sense that if you're paid to do something and you enjoy doing it, you wouldn't fuck it up. Jim has his moments, and it's just unfortunate that he has to pay the price for his opinion.
Shame this will probably incite more ill-informed and badly based arguments against TPL.
Shame this will probably incite more ill-informed and badly based arguments against TPL.
YOU'LL WILL NEVER GET ANOTHER HIT FROM ME.
YOU'LL WILL NEVER!
Sometimes I wonder if some poeple's minds are the size of peanuts.
YOU'LL WILL NEVER!
Sometimes I wonder if some poeple's minds are the size of peanuts.
I appreciate your post here Jim, but I really need to know something.
If you are trying to build relationships with SE and other companies, why do you "poke the bear" by making statements such as
"I could do with playing a good Japanese RPG." http://www.destructoid.com/3d-dot-game-heroes-stays-retro-my-friends-167172.phtml
It seems to me like you are trying to increase the ire of fan bois and people generally upset with the review you gave. SE probably isn't looking favorably on comments like this as well.
I completely disagreed with your review, but that's fine, our opinions differ.
One thing I would like to suggest for future high profile AAA games, is to have a two person review system. Each would have their own separate scores and write-ups. This would show viewers that one opinion is not always enough, and that sometimes, people like different things.
Of course this wont stop the heinous posts/emails/twits/facebooks/IMs etc that will come in, but I think it would allow companies and sane gamers a chance to see opposing opinions, and appreciate the site more.
Anyways Happy Green beer day!
If you are trying to build relationships with SE and other companies, why do you "poke the bear" by making statements such as
"I could do with playing a good Japanese RPG." http://www.destructoid.com/3d-dot-game-heroes-stays-retro-my-friends-167172.phtml
It seems to me like you are trying to increase the ire of fan bois and people generally upset with the review you gave. SE probably isn't looking favorably on comments like this as well.
I completely disagreed with your review, but that's fine, our opinions differ.
One thing I would like to suggest for future high profile AAA games, is to have a two person review system. Each would have their own separate scores and write-ups. This would show viewers that one opinion is not always enough, and that sometimes, people like different things.
Of course this wont stop the heinous posts/emails/twits/facebooks/IMs etc that will come in, but I think it would allow companies and sane gamers a chance to see opposing opinions, and appreciate the site more.
Anyways Happy Green beer day!
I'm glad you posted a response to this, although I'm sure you're somewhat used to getting reactions like what you've received by now and, unfortunately, it's unlikely to change the minds of people who are too stupid to realise how little sense it makes for them to be taking others' opinions of games so seriously, but good on you for standing up for yourself. And for not blanking out the names in the screens, I'm sure they can handle any abuse that may come their way as a result of this article if they can dish out that kind of stuff.
I have to say although I am actually really enjoying FFXIII, I had to agree with almost every negative point you made about it in your review. Obviously those points had more of an impact on your enjoyment of the game than they have on mine, but it's such a shame some people who hide on the internet are incapable of telling the difference between fact and opinion.
I have to say although I am actually really enjoying FFXIII, I had to agree with almost every negative point you made about it in your review. Obviously those points had more of an impact on your enjoyment of the game than they have on mine, but it's such a shame some people who hide on the internet are incapable of telling the difference between fact and opinion.
grrlaction:
I think it's harsh to say I'm alone in my opinion that I do a good job when the majority of my readers seem to be happy with what I do.
And seriously, did you just tell me to take this kind of criticism constructively? If it was constructive criticism, I could do that, but please point out where calls for suicide and wishes that my career was over are constructive criticisms?
I'm not going to, as you so wonderfully put it, shut up. It's not what Niero pays me to do.
I think it's harsh to say I'm alone in my opinion that I do a good job when the majority of my readers seem to be happy with what I do.
And seriously, did you just tell me to take this kind of criticism constructively? If it was constructive criticism, I could do that, but please point out where calls for suicide and wishes that my career was over are constructive criticisms?
I'm not going to, as you so wonderfully put it, shut up. It's not what Niero pays me to do.
Props Jim. My god those people are tools / sad. Anyone that bashes a reviewer because they gave a game they adore a score they don't approve of is completely pathetic. If you like a game, buy it and like it. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Simple as that. Bashing people because of their review / opinion is as stupid as trying to hold a conversation with a wall. I know it's the internet and stupidity is expected, but ugh, it's sad when you know someone isn't trolling but they REALLY are butt hurt.
This article is null and void.
You say you're not doing this to be hated. How about stop making articles that blatantly insult people's legitimate complaints. Or don't say that the entire staff dedicated to art decided to "publicly masturbate" instead of working hard on their game.
You prefer cringe worthy childish remarks over legitimate criticism, that is why people hate you. That is why you get these comments. That is why people can predict you to a T. You have no right to claim like you've done nothing wrong when you take every chance you get to demean people of the opposite opinion.
You say you're not doing this to be hated. How about stop making articles that blatantly insult people's legitimate complaints. Or don't say that the entire staff dedicated to art decided to "publicly masturbate" instead of working hard on their game.
You prefer cringe worthy childish remarks over legitimate criticism, that is why people hate you. That is why you get these comments. That is why people can predict you to a T. You have no right to claim like you've done nothing wrong when you take every chance you get to demean people of the opposite opinion.
U disagrred with your FFXIII review, but that isn't why I was disappointed in it. I definitely understand why some, including you, won't like it. What was disappointing about your review was it's tone and completely nasty, have-an-axe-to-grind nature. There is a difference between objective criticism and plain nastiness, and you went way over it. Even for a site like Dtoid, which uses it's "immature" charm as a big selling point, your review was unprofessional and completely childish. You sounded just like the fanboys you rail against so often.
Jim, never change and never go away. I don't always agree with you but god damn whatever you write is a good read. Much love and if I saw you in person I would buy you a beer.
Personally i enjoy the hell out of your articles jim.I get tired of reading "politically correct" kind of writing about stuff all the time so humorous/ridiculous articles about shit usually gives me at the very least something to grin about. Cause they're video games god damn it. How the fuck do you take them that seriously?
That Deadly premonition/heavy rain article had my buddy and I cracking jokes about it for a couple days.
You're one of the main reasons i come around this website.
That Deadly premonition/heavy rain article had my buddy and I cracking jokes about it for a couple days.
You're one of the main reasons i come around this website.
Jim, please don't interpret this as me telling you how to do your job, because that's totally not my intention... But you do seem genuinely concerned about your relationship with SE. I think there are ways to review, even ravage a game, as you put it, without using phrases like "their art department decided to masturbate on the screen," (paraphrasing here.)
I think publishers are well aware that not everybody is going to LOVE their game, but with comments like that, you really are inviting that proverbial blacklist.
Not that I'm advocating that you change your style, because hey, it's YOUR style, and it fits with Destructoid that you type it like you see it. I'm just pointing out the disparity between your comments that you care about how SE will react, and the language you used in the review.
I think publishers are well aware that not everybody is going to LOVE their game, but with comments like that, you really are inviting that proverbial blacklist.
Not that I'm advocating that you change your style, because hey, it's YOUR style, and it fits with Destructoid that you type it like you see it. I'm just pointing out the disparity between your comments that you care about how SE will react, and the language you used in the review.
I want to believe that you were sincere in writing this article, but I really wish you would just review more games without resorting to grandstanding.
The writer who speaks passionately about the return of Sonic the Hedgehog was not the person who wrote that Final Fantasy XIII review.
You can dislike a game without opening up the body of the review by declaring how bad the intro is.
The writer who speaks passionately about the return of Sonic the Hedgehog was not the person who wrote that Final Fantasy XIII review.
You can dislike a game without opening up the body of the review by declaring how bad the intro is.
Sometimes I think people should need a license to use the internet / write comments in forums etc. This is due to the fact that people just take shit way too seriously. These people who sent the messages should take a look in the mirror and give their heads a shake. Seriously? Are you that sad of an individual that your entire life seems ruined because Jim Sterling didn't like a game you liked? Isn't the whole point of this thing opinions?
Why do you get so butthurt over this. I don't understand. You are such a child. Yes, you didn't like Assassin's Creed 2. Move on. You didn't need to write 500 posts about Heavy Rain. And you definitely don't need to make 500 more about Final Fantasy XIII. I mean for fucks sake. Did you grow up without a parent or something.
I thought the majority of your "controversial" reviews were well written. You are supposed to be a critic. Newsflash; a lot of people dislike critics. I don't think this is a surprise to you. And if it is you are even more of a child than I thought.
There is no need to constantly justify yourself. You are either trolling or have a really bad issue with acceptance. You really need to grow up.
I thought the majority of your "controversial" reviews were well written. You are supposed to be a critic. Newsflash; a lot of people dislike critics. I don't think this is a surprise to you. And if it is you are even more of a child than I thought.
There is no need to constantly justify yourself. You are either trolling or have a really bad issue with acceptance. You really need to grow up.
I like that Mr. Sterling is honest and I'd rather see him give his honest opinion & give FFXIII a 4 than bullshit us and give it a 10. Besides that people should remember it's his OPINION and NOT everyone is going to feel the same way. Seriously, it's a video game review, he's not amending the constitution.
I like your reviews and I am glad you are here. Come to my house again and make Chad laugh (the laugh that sounds like he's in pain) or just hang out.
At the end of the day, the review score is still just a number one person (or in some cases on this site, multiple reviewers) gave to a game. That is their opinion on that particular game. Your four might be my 7~8. I can't say I agree with every review you've written, but in the end, all that matters is "Did *I* enjoy playing this game". I do applaud you for not being the "sell-out" that many other reviewers can be.
Hype is the problem with most people. They get so swepped up by it that when a hyped game is released they can't accept anything but perfect scores from reviewers because they have got themselves so worked up. I mean look at scores of 8.9 and 9 now days, that's an awesome score in my books but apparently not in a lot of peoples. I don't blame the companies for this as hype can sell a game more than quality now days apparently.
Some people just really need to calm the fuck down and try a game first before they already tell themselves it's going to be golden nectar of the gods poured into crystal cups and spoon fed to them by angels. I'm sure there's plenty of people that play a game that to me is a over hyped piles of crap, and they enjoy it. But also I'd argue there's just as many people who like it just because they jumped onto the hype wagon and are still refusing to get off.
Some people just really need to calm the fuck down and try a game first before they already tell themselves it's going to be golden nectar of the gods poured into crystal cups and spoon fed to them by angels. I'm sure there's plenty of people that play a game that to me is a over hyped piles of crap, and they enjoy it. But also I'd argue there's just as many people who like it just because they jumped onto the hype wagon and are still refusing to get off.
I'm just going to say, although I disagree with a fair number of your reviews, I have no problem with this or with you personally as I understand, because I actually read the review and not just look at the score, that you like different types of games from me.
For the value that seems to be placed on being objective in games journalism, it's refreshing to see a guy's opinion.
Short version - Although I disagree sometimes, I think you are one of the better reviewers out there.
For the value that seems to be placed on being objective in games journalism, it's refreshing to see a guy's opinion.
Short version - Although I disagree sometimes, I think you are one of the better reviewers out there.
I've been sitting here typing a long, involved response that nobody would ever read and I just couldn't get the words out...
So, long story short, VIVA STERLING!
A game is your personal experience. My FFXII experience has been relatively positive. Jim's obviously wasn't.
My point? Our thoughts are different, yet I still respect him.
Keep on truckin' ya ol' lovable limey!
So, long story short, VIVA STERLING!
A game is your personal experience. My FFXII experience has been relatively positive. Jim's obviously wasn't.
My point? Our thoughts are different, yet I still respect him.
Keep on truckin' ya ol' lovable limey!
Dinosaurpizza:
The Blatantly Better posts are obviously satire, and written as a joke. They are there to make people laugh, not make them angry. Sure, people DO get angry, but I simply don't let that stop me trying to make people laugh.
This is mostly about reviews, anyway. I write loads of joke articles for sure, but the reviews are what I take cereal.
The Blatantly Better posts are obviously satire, and written as a joke. They are there to make people laugh, not make them angry. Sure, people DO get angry, but I simply don't let that stop me trying to make people laugh.
This is mostly about reviews, anyway. I write loads of joke articles for sure, but the reviews are what I take cereal.
love ya man, don't always agree with you but you'll always have my ear and readership, as long as you say what you honestly feel there will be haters, hell, there'll be hatin' regardless but i'm glad you're here and doing what you're doing
(Slooow Clap)
(Slooow Clap)
Jim, you're one of the main reasons I come to this site. I love your honest reviews and while I may not agree with every thing you say, I appreciate having another point of view. You definitely give valid reasons for not liking something that others find amazing. Keep doing what you're doing my friend. I enjoy just about everything of yours that I read.
I kinda miss the days where 2-3 people would review a game, it was always cool to read different points of view on the same game. Any chance of that happening again?
Great read Jim.
Great read Jim.
dayum, Jim. Even though i think you're fat and gay, and somewhat disagree with your ff13 review and score, those messages are straight up harassment.
i think it deserved more than a 4, but I don't think you should kill yourself... your opinion is yours and your alone. people need to stop taking a number between 1 and 10 so cereal.
i think it deserved more than a 4, but I don't think you should kill yourself... your opinion is yours and your alone. people need to stop taking a number between 1 and 10 so cereal.
Jim, You are probably right, in that this article will fall on deaf ears, but I for one Love the honesty of your reviews. 10's have always seemed artificial to me. There was a time when 10's were more rare then a perfect game (baseball/rounders not video games) The way that I have seen you being treated in the comments and the above psn screens you have shown are beyond description.
It's a shame you had to write this at all, Jim. Anyone that has any kind of audience, whether they are celebrities or sports figures or videogame reviewers, is going to attract ignorant douches en masse. Anytime you say anything, they're already waiting with baited breath for their time to strike, and anyway they don't have the ability to comprehend anything besides their own twisted thoughts. In other words, no amount of explaining will ever amount to anything. Just take it in stride, I guess.
I agree that getting angry over game reviews is silly (unless you created the game I guess), and personally, I think its important to know the reviewer. For example, I don't think we agree on a lot of games. I still read the reviews though, but it wouldn't influence me as much as a site I tend to agree with. I tend to look for objective things in D'Toids reviews. For example, if the game freezes every 5 minutes, it doesn't matter if you like JRPGs or whatever genre is being reviewed.
Of course, for a Final Fantasy game, I do think its important for the reviewer to kind of like JRPGS (not saying you don't), just as its important for somebody reviewing Madden to like sports games. It doesn't matter how good a game in these two genres are (and others, these are just my examples), you can easily hate a perfectly made Sports game/JRPG/etc because it isn't your cup of tea, and that isn't necessarily the developers fault.
I'll give this site this, they seem to use thole scale of 10 when rating games, you don't seem to wimp out and rate games 7 to 9.
Of course, for a Final Fantasy game, I do think its important for the reviewer to kind of like JRPGS (not saying you don't), just as its important for somebody reviewing Madden to like sports games. It doesn't matter how good a game in these two genres are (and others, these are just my examples), you can easily hate a perfectly made Sports game/JRPG/etc because it isn't your cup of tea, and that isn't necessarily the developers fault.
I'll give this site this, they seem to use thole scale of 10 when rating games, you don't seem to wimp out and rate games 7 to 9.
I've been reading this site since before everyone was asking "Who the fuck is Jim Sterling?" and while I don't agree with you all the time, I do respect the way you layout exactly what pissed you off about certain games.
Keep up the good work man. Don't let your blood pressure go through the roof over these idiots.
Keep up the good work man. Don't let your blood pressure go through the roof over these idiots.
Jim, I was touched by your article. I think the problem lies with a total lack of respect and understanding of what honest opinions are and what has massive appeal. Yeah your job may be a joke, but it's nonetheless an envious one. As an educator, I wish I could write about games for life and get paid for it. Instead, i get paid to baby sit freshmen in college that have an overdeveloped sense of entitlement and have no desire to work hard. You've got balls Mr. Sterling. I respect you.
Hats off.
Hats off.
@Jim Sterling
It's most likely inappropriate of me to even have commented, and for that I apologize. I was trying, with the taking criticism constructively comment, to speak with brevity about something I find to be a failing of yours. I do not, in fact, think you should give exhortations of suicide credence.
However, this: "the majority of my readers seem to be happy with what I do." speaks volumes. They are Destructoid's readers, not yours, and you forget it. A lot.
It's most likely inappropriate of me to even have commented, and for that I apologize. I was trying, with the taking criticism constructively comment, to speak with brevity about something I find to be a failing of yours. I do not, in fact, think you should give exhortations of suicide credence.
However, this: "the majority of my readers seem to be happy with what I do." speaks volumes. They are Destructoid's readers, not yours, and you forget it. A lot.
So you really didn't beat the game lol. I could have guessed that one. What else did you skimp out on exactly? Did you even pay attention for most of the cutscenes or were you on the phone or something? You obviously didn't give a shit about trying to get a complete picture of the story.
And then you go out of your way to write the most offensive, false, bullshit review imaginable. Now all of the sudden you have feelings. Fuck that. You have multiple personality disorder or something. Maybe if you combine this story with your reviews you could write like a normal person. Instead you do everything in your power to be as much of a troll as possible, then cry when people call you on it.
I can't believe you actually get paid to review games. The worst part is, some of your satire is genuinely funny. You shouldn't be doing any reviews though, because your opinion is and your writing is totally ridiculous and it really does make Destructoid look like a joke.
I see you didn't mention Army of Two either.
what about the Tweet in that story on Dualshockers where you said you just beat the final chapter? That was an obvious lie. Why should I believe anything you say when you are continually caught not telling the truth?
And then you go out of your way to write the most offensive, false, bullshit review imaginable. Now all of the sudden you have feelings. Fuck that. You have multiple personality disorder or something. Maybe if you combine this story with your reviews you could write like a normal person. Instead you do everything in your power to be as much of a troll as possible, then cry when people call you on it.
I can't believe you actually get paid to review games. The worst part is, some of your satire is genuinely funny. You shouldn't be doing any reviews though, because your opinion is and your writing is totally ridiculous and it really does make Destructoid look like a joke.
I see you didn't mention Army of Two either.
what about the Tweet in that story on Dualshockers where you said you just beat the final chapter? That was an obvious lie. Why should I believe anything you say when you are continually caught not telling the truth?
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