Ghost of Yotei Review Embargo lifts on September 25th at 9AM EST / 6AM PST

You sound bitter. Why?


None of this matters if the publication or reviewer just buys the game and reviews it themselves with their own money.
Because I had reviews changed with negative parts removed because the media site I was doing them for was afraid of being blacklisted by the publisher, and I'm sure it has happened with many others.
 
Let's hear your idea to prevent bloated scores to please publishers and insure reviews are out before the release dates then...

Think he is saying this isn't a problem that requires government regulation. I don't even know that it is a problem at all, frankly. I certainly don't want tax dollars involved in any of it.
 
Because I had reviews changed with negative parts removed because the media site I was doing them for was afraid of being blacklisted by the publisher, and I'm sure it has happened with many others.

That's sad to read. Really. But to me the fix for that is to have a business model that doesn't rely on the publisher to give them a code for a game days, weeks, or a month in advance. Ultimately, you'd hope your listens, viewers, or readers trust your opinion enough so that even if your review is 5 days after release, it still matters to them.

But changing your review to keep publishers happy should be a NO GO! That's a line that no content creator should EVER cross. Your integrity is tied to what you think and say. The second a company can force change that, you're toast. Any company following through on that request need to go out of business to be honest.
 
Let's hear your idea to prevent bloated scores to please publishers and insure reviews are out before the release dates then...
The kind of reviewers who bloat scores to please publishers and do whatever it takes to ensure reviews are out by embargo dates will always be susceptible to alternate pressures, as they lack basic integrity to begin with. Publishers will just find other ways to manipulate them, like restricting previews, not inviting them to demoes etc.

There is no point in creating a bureaucracy for review scores in entertainment media. That's the least important consumer segment. It will just be a matter of time before the middleman gets influenced as well, should anyone create one. As buyer behavior gets more and more decoupled from review scores, all of this becomes even less relevant. And if reviews matter so much, then wait for them post launch before buying. Such regulation and laws are overkill.

Outside of a few outlets with sketchy biases, this isn't even a problem worth solving as a private entity. Let alone governments stepping in and establishing laws. Reviewers are all over the world. Are you expecting the United Nations to be involved? Who will review violations and disputes? The ICJ?
 
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Im thinking in the upper end of 80's. Either way I am solidly looking forward to this. The first one was my favorite game in 2020.
I think they can hit the 90% this time around. The combat system in GoT was already great, but it lacked proper high skill enemies later on. There were also too many ACreed like chore tasks. I think they'll have learned a thing or two since then. I've a good feeling about this.
 
If you are enjoying the game then what does that matter? Stop worrying about this "woke" BS and just enjoy the god damn game.

People are their own worse enemy, stressing over most pettiest shit.

There's levels to it. I'd say Spider-Man 2 was borderline for me with the BLM pandering and other shit. If Sony devs go more and more woke, I'll just wait to pirate them on pc for now on.
 
There's levels to it. I'd say Spider-Man 2 was borderline for me with the BLM pandering and other shit. If Sony devs go more and more woke, I'll just wait to pirate them on pc for now on.
I don't know about spider man mostly because I avoid anything Marvel and DC related like plague.

For me I don't look at games and think if they are woke or not, I either like story and gameplay or I don't.

With GoY case I don't because I didn't liked GoT…..for me it has nothing to if the game was woke or not.
 
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Expecting similar review scores as the first game.

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87-88 range.
 
I don't know about spider man mostly because I avoid anything Marvel and DC related like plague.

For me I don't look at games and think if they are woke or not, I either like story and gameplay or I don't.

With GoY case I don't because I didn't liked GoT…..for me it has nothing to if the was woke or not.
For someone who didn't like GoT and don't plan on getting GoY, you are quite active on these threads. May I ask why? Is there something about the game that still has your curiosity? Are you on the fence waiting for something that could tip you over? Or is it just the entertainment from watching people tearing each other's hair out? Tell me more

a day to remember doctor GIF by Epitaph Records



What does this have to do with GoY?
If the reviews are glowing...................
 
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Because I had reviews changed with negative parts removed because the media site I was doing them for was afraid of being blacklisted by the publisher, and I'm sure it has happened with many others.

I wrote game reviews for a site during the PS4 years and that was never an issue. If a publisher is threatening an outlet with being blacklisted then that outlet needs to write an article detailing the thread and publisher it instead of a review. How would a publisher blacklist an outlet anyway?

What does this have to do with GoY?
 
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For someone who didn't like GoT and don't plan on getting GoY, you are quite active on these threads. May I ask why? Is there something about the game that still has your curiosity? Are you on the fence waiting for something that could tip you over? Or is it just the entertainment from watching people tearing each other's hair out? Tell me more
Less curiosity about actual game and more curiosity of what makes it "woke".

Either I don't understand what "woke" is or people just calling everything they don't like "woke".
 
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Surely it's a positive that the media gets the game early?

From what I can see, the sequel seems to have addressed some of the shortcomings of GOT. And as someone who got the platinum for the original game, I'm very much looking forward to GOY.

I honestly loved the visuals of the first game, which were focused more on artistry over realism. I also love the visuals in AC Shadows.

I'm glad both visions exist.
 
Probably higher critic scores and lower user scores.
Yup, just like Spider-Man 2 (and GOW Ragnarok, I guess?)

First time in a while I'll wait for reviews before buying a Sony 1st party title

Been burned many times this gen already
 
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Less curiosity about actual game and more curiosity of what makes it "woke".

Either I don't understand what "woke" is or people just calling everything they don't like "woke".

I draw the line at blatant anti-white racism and pushing mental illness acceptance edicts we are supposed to follow or be cancelled. I don't do compelled speech or the land of make-believe.
 
Yup, just like Spider-Man 2 (and GOW Ragnarok, I guess?)

First time in a while I'll wait for reviews before buying a Sony 1st party title

Been burned many times this gen already

The problem with metacritic user scores is that there no way to know if the people reviewing actually played the game.
 
Less curiosity about actual game and more curiosity of what makes it "woke".

Either I don't understand what "woke" is or people just calling everything they don't like "woke".
So you are basically watching us bacteria in a petre dish. Killing each other and mutating. Understood.

Why is this so alien to you? I know you like a lot of Japanese stuff, but are you actually based in Japan? Has the term not gained popularity wherever you are?
 
The problem with metacritic user scores is that there no way to know if the people reviewing actually played the game.
Sure, if the sequels scores are worse than the first games, maybe the number of trolls have increased since then, sure.

But from my personal opinion, at least, they are accurate. Ragnarok and Spider-Man 2 sucked.
 
Sure, if the sequels scores are worse than the first games, maybe the number of trolls have increased since then, sure.

But from my personal opinion, at least, they are accurate. Ragnarok and Spider-Man 2 sucked.

The user scores were still really good though. 87 for SM2. 84 for Rag. I get what you are saying though. The critic reviews raved. I didn't think the games sucked but I don't think they deserved 90+ reviews either.
 
lol Danjin44 Danjin44 I was joking about the bacteria stuff. Sorry if I offended you. Genuinely curious about your thoughts as I assumed "woke" has universal usage at this point, but may be I'm wrong about it.
 
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I wrote game reviews for a site during the PS4 years and that was never an issue. If a publisher is threatening an outlet with being blacklisted then that outlet needs to write an article detailing the thread and publisher it instead of a review. How would a publisher blacklist an outlet anyway?

What does this have to do with GoY?
They stop sending them review codes.
The reviews I had edited, my admin said that they didn't want to antagonise the publisher so they would keep receiving codes, and the reviews had to be as positive as possible.

GoW Ragnarok got 94 MC (same as GoW) while being glorified DLC with a worse pace and a few unwelcome changes.

I'm sure GoY scores will be inflated by some sites just because it's a Sony game.

Edit: I don't mean inflated by fear of blacklisting, I mean by brand attachment, hype, clicks, etc.
It's mostly (lesser known) indie games that get completely honest reviews.
 
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They stop sending them review codes.
The reviews I had edited, my admin said that they didn't want to antagonise the publisher so they would keep receiving codes, and the reviews had to be as positive as possible.

GoW Ragnarok got 94 MC (same as GoW) while being glorified DLC with a worse pace and a few unwelcome changes.

I'm sure GoY scores will be inflated by some sites just because it's a Sony game.

Edit: I don't mean inflated by fear of blacklisting, I mean by brand attachment, hype, clicks, etc.
It's mostly (lesser known) indie games that get completely honest reviews.

Most publishers are going to understand that withholding game codes only for positive reviews is going to blow up in their faces. That happened with Bethesda in the past when they decided to be selective in what outlets had priority in receiving codes. If the outlet is simply trying to be on the good side of a publisher then that is on the outlet. Outlets should not trade their integrity for a review code.

This is how an outlet should handle that:

Many first party games have inflated reviews from brand affiliated sites. I've pointed that out in the past as well.
 
I'm guessing high 80s to low 90s.
Between the apparent improvements to world design and new weapons they'll still be able to point out improvements over the original. Also, reviewers generally don't mind samey sequels and, maybe more importantly, while many of them were a bit lukewarm on the first game it still ended up being a huge hit with people and a massive seller, so they'll adjust to be in line with public perception.

Let's hear your idea to prevent bloated scores to please publishers and insure reviews are out before the release dates then...

It's videogames, not medication or food. No one needs to have a game as soon as it gets released.
Publishers aren't and shouldn't be required to provide early access to their products for review. Anyone is free to buy the game once it's out and review it.

If you want to "take away their power" stop caring so much about "pro" reviewers, wait until the game is out and check out comments, impressions and reviews on forums like GAF or on Steam. Check out podcasts, youtubers or streamers that don't get early access, etc.
Of course, that would requiere fully grown adults to wait a few days/weeks before they buy a new toy, which I know is unthinkable.
 
If you are enjoying the game then what does that matter? Stop worrying about this "woke" BS and just enjoy the god damn game.

People are their own worse enemy, stressing over most pettiest shit.

Yeah and over a fictional video game that doesn't affect their lives ultimately. Really weird!
 
I think senior people get bonuses based off metacriric scores. I'd strong arm the fuck out of games media corps if they were gonna screw with my nut.

Edit: Even fucking Concord of all things got a 62 average.

Just kidding around, people really liked GOT, it's the same studio, it'll likely do just as well.
 
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Think it'll hit in the 85-90 range. Have no doubt the open world will be beautiful. Deal question for me is whether they can tell a compelling narrative. Have seen nothing about the main character that looks unique or intetesting so far.
 
I'm guessing high 80s to low 90s.
Between the apparent improvements to world design and new weapons they'll still be able to point out improvements over the original. Also, reviewers generally don't mind samey sequels and, maybe more importantly, while many of them were a bit lukewarm on the first game it still ended up being a huge hit with people and a massive seller, so they'll adjust to be in line with public perception.
Yeah, basically the same reasons Spider-Man 2 did better compared to 1 despite being the worse game in pretty much all aspects outside of the graphics.
 
Yeah, basically the same reasons Spider-Man 2 did better compared to 1 despite being the worse game in pretty much all aspects outside of the graphics.

Yeah, but the reasons Spider-man 2 was worse than the first game was pretty specific. Too many non-Spider-man missions with an OP MJ one-shot killing enemies or the blind girl doing graffiti art shows. If GoY takes us down a road like that then it will be called out by gamers and not reviewers. Hopefully GoY doesn't have those trappings that diminish the overall experience. Thankfully, I haven't seen commentary from their devs like I did with Insomniac bragging about how they cut content from Spider-man 2 because it was important to make MJ look "powerful".

 
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Ghost was way better than an 83. Low to mid 90s

Naah 83 is about right. They didn't even have japanese lip sync in the orginal release and you consider it a 9 to 9.5, wow!

Actually i think i would rate it a high 70 at best which is fine, i also had fun with all the mafia games.
 
As a huge fan of the first game, it had glaring flaws that I hope get addressed and fixed, or at least talked about in the upcoming reviews. I'm not talking about gender, I'm not talking about graphics or performance, I'm talking about the battle system. If I'm not mistaken, instead of fixing the problems of the first game, which was the moves were inconsequential and less than precise, they are simply going to dumb them down even further.

Also, I sooo hope SP hasn't turned the protag into a walking activist poster etc. and let her just focus on revenge. We don't need or want to be preached to, and they better not try or no purchase from me.

I'm guessing this game will be somewhere between a 75 and 80 when we weed out the shill and hater scores in the Meta.
 
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The game review system should be overhauled.
There should be a 3rd party organisation where media sites would register and publishers would be forced to send review codes a minimum of 2 days before release to that organisation that would then distribute them to reviewers.
That would allow reviewers to say exactly what they want without fear of being blacklisted and without having to grovel for codes.

There should be laws and guidelines in the gaming industry instead of publishers having total power and freedom to do whatever they want.
It's not, and it will never be that serious.

No one should be obligated to have their game reviewed, just like we're not obligated to buy their games.
 
It's not, and it will never be that serious.

No one should be obligated to have their game reviewed, just like we're not obligated to buy their games.
No one has faith in the current review system as it is now, aside from the gas lighting industry insiders. Nobody, who buys games, thinks that reviews are for them, or thoroughly explain the game's systems, story, game play, pacing, depth etc. and the best we'll get is a glaringly biased piece from a single view point that any given "journalist" wants to focus on that strengthens their agenda.

About the best we have is our own Karak Karak
 
No one has faith in the current review system as it is now, aside from the gas lighting industry insiders. Nobody, who buys games, thinks that reviews are for them, or thoroughly explain the game's systems, story, game play, pacing, depth etc. and the best we'll get is a glaringly biased piece from a single view point that any given "journalist" wants to focus on that strengthens their agenda.

About the best we have is our own Karak Karak
Yeah but you add an organization between publishers and reviewers and how long until that organization starts deciding who gets review codes and who doesn't based on who aligns with the organizations ideologies? You're just shifting the potential for corruption from publishers to a black box of an organization.

Again, advanced reviews are a nice to have. I would say if trusted reviews are important to you, wait until the game comes out and people start playing it.
 
Realistically from the footage shown so far it looks worse than Shadows so I'd expect a score worse than that. Unless the scores are artificially inflated, if you know what I mean.
 
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