Gamestyle

Earlier this week I sorta suggested that I would perhaps delve into writing reviews about videogames. So just now I have a spare 15 minutes in my lunch break to go over those initial steps which work for me. First it is worth pointing out that everyone I have worked with at GS or other gaming sites had their own way of doing a review. Over the years you cannot help but build up habits, traits and ultimately your own style.

This writing gaming lark has been a major component of my leisure time for almost nine years, maybe slightly more. Before video games it was music fanzines and concert reviews. I can still recall my first ever GS review, which was a PS2 launch title (I may link it later for a laugh) and I cringe at that memory. When I see the standard of new writers who approach us, I cannot help but be very impressed with their examples. The standard has risen dramatically over the past few years!

Now this week's review on my agenda has been NASCAR 09, and I've spent the past few evenings going around those ovals in pursuit of material for the Gamestyle review. Generally even before a game arrives I will check out the official site and read press releases (Gamepress is a vital resource) to highlight the main selling points, or what publisher claims will make this game unique from the crowd. Any press release needs to be taken with a pinch of salt and dose of reality, but I find such steps help lay the initial foundations or highlight what punters might be looking for an opinion on.

If the game is based on a film then I may check that out in addition, or luckily for NASCAR I have a good grounding of motorsports in general. In the end when the game disk goes into the console, you've already acquired some vital information that may help when you actually come to start writing.

Next time I'll go into playing games and what works for me. How do you deal with games of a sizeable length or a variety of options and modes.