Super brain Michael Abbot at The Brainy Gamer posts an interesting observation on what he calls the invalidation game, specifically regarding Crayon Physics Deluxe:
The recent discussion of Crayon Physics Deluxe on the Escapist forums…features comments by L.B. Jeffries, Russ Pitts, Jordan Deam, and Susan Arendt – all writers whose opinions and observations are well-reasoned and respectful to other points of view. The willingness of the Escapist staff to jump into these conversations signals to readers that a posted review (in this case written by Deam) is really just the start of a broader conversation that will include the reviewer and gamers interested in pursuing issues raised by the game. The fact that you’re here reading this now means you’re probably keen on this whole “thoughtful conversation” thing too.
Not all discussion forums work like this, however (surprise!), and when they don’t it’s usually because people fall into the trap of playing the invalidation game. This pernicious little game has a way of stifling conversation and turning analysis into defensive posturing and personal attacks. Even a simple charming game like Crayon Physics Deluxe can become fodder for purveyors of the invalidation game. How? Like this: First, something or someone must be invalidated. In the case of CPD, the game itself becomes the target. “It’s not a game, it’s a *#% toy. Why should I waste my time playing with a toy that offers me no challenge?
And:
I’ve never quite understood the hostility some people bring with them to online forums. It’s not enough to disagree. The enemy must be destroyed and, better yet, humiliated.
I agree. Forums can get quite heated, very quickly. I’d put this down to the ease of communication, the fact that it’s relatively anonymous and just too easy to do. It requires little thought to tear something down.
I personally dislike overtly negative game reviews, ones that go overboard in their condemnation of a title. It’s much harder (and I think more rewarding both for writer and reader) to try and craft something that captures the essence of the game, or, if you don’t like the game, understand it’s flaws, not just lambaste it as worthless. Most titles, even if they fail on whatever level, have had countless hours of work, passion and skill, poured into them.
I like to try and see that.
I agree, most reviewers are genrous in that fact that the devolpers chose this idea to make into a game for a reason.
Although some reviewers like ZP or Zero Punctuation on Escapist rip games to shreds with all the negatives he can find, but he only tells the truth and can only nod your head in agreement (When he actually says something sensible)
So to find a good contrast between Reviews, watch or read a really critical review and then find one with the best score.
In terms of forum discussions, you also always need to bear in mind all the Trolls out there, who see it as their duty to bait people into pointless trading of personal insults, often to the extent of actual bullying in many cases.