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Reviews of Old Games...

Started by KrakaJak, March 16, 2007, 09:43:27 PM

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KrakaJak

General consensus question here...
 
Should I (or anyone else) put reviews up for old(er) games on this site?
 
I'm debating it myself and I see some pros and cons.
 
Pros: You've been playing them, so you have a good idea what really works and what doesn't. It will inform people what some of us old schoolers are actually talking about. We'd have reviews done.
 
Cons: Out of date image; I don't think theRPGsite wants to be seen as a bunch of old codgers unwilling to try new things. Nobody cares, people have already made their decisions about older games years ago, and won''t read them anyway.
 
 
So, here's the question. Would you want/care if older games were reviewed? If they were, would you read them?
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

C.W.Richeson

I've weighed in on this one a few times, and even discuss it in an upcoming article at RPG.net on reviewing.

First off, there's a thriving market in older games thanks to eBay and internet chat.  People still buy older editions of D&D, CP2020, and various other games.  For these folk the review is helpful to making a purchasing decision.

Second, some folk read reviews for entertainment.  It generates conversation, makes us think about what we loved about those older games, and results in a generally enjoyable read.

I know the reviews of older games on RPG.net get about as many hits as reviews of newer games, barring "big name" games.  After a new game has been out for a year or two anyway, and all the buzz is dead, there's not a lot of difference between the two reviews.

I think you should go for it.  It helps theRPGsite, generates conversation, and may help out some other gamers who want to learn more about those products!

Edit: Also, growing the review database here is a good thing.  Maybe it will convince folk to expand upon the current setup and make it more useful.
Reviews!
My LiveJournal - What I'm reviewing and occasional thoughts on the industry from a reviewer's perspective.

Dr Rotwang!

Quote from: KrakaJakShould I (or anyone else) put reviews up for old(er) games on thi-
Yes.  Sorry to interrupt, but yes.
Dr Rotwang!
...never blogs faster than he can see.
FONZITUDE RATING: 1985
[/font]

Consonant Dude

Quote from: KrakaJakPros: You've been playing them, so you have a good idea what really works and what doesn't. It will inform people what some of us old schoolers are actually talking about. We'd have reviews done.
 
Cons: Out of date image; I don't think theRPGsite wants to be seen as a bunch of old codgers unwilling to try new things. Nobody cares, people have already made their decisions about older games years ago, and won''t read them anyway.
 
 
So, here's the question. Would you want/care if older games were reviewed? If they were, would you read them?

Lev Lafayette (who was chased out of here by a bunch of fucking lunatics) has actually started reviewing a lot of old products on RPG.net. He's doing it at an impressive rate (sometimes 3-4 reviews in a single week) and I don't think this has changed the perception people have of RPG.net.

There are a lot of great older products. They deserve a second look, if only so that the average gaming ignoramus who believes 2007 is "the golden age of roleplaying" can reconsider that ridiculous notion.

And FWIW, I think the perception people have of the RPGsite is that members aren't receptive to new ideas and concepts in roleplaying, not necessarly to new games. That perception may have some truth to it but I believe it's an overgeneralisation.

By all means, review old games. Any review is appreciated! :)
FKFKFFJKFH

My Roleplaying Blog.

JongWK

Go for it, KrakaJak. Just don't make Lev's... mistakes.
"I give the gift of endless imagination."
~~Gary Gygax (1938 - 2008)


KrakaJak


Ok, I dood it.
 
Read, react!
 
 
Enjoy?
 
 
 
edit: Added Link
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

pspahn

I say do it.  Reviews are always a good thing.  But if you feel guilty, try to review a newer game for every older one you do.

Pete
Small Niche Games
Also check the WWII: Operation WhiteBox Community on Google+

David R

Quote from: KrakaJakIf they were, would you read them?

YES .

Regards,
David R

joewolz

Absolutely I would read reviews of older stuff.  AD&D stuff I can totally use with C&C.

As CW said above, anything that enriches the review database is good for me!
-JFC Wolz
Co-host of 2 Gms, 1 Mic

Nazgul

Go for it. Just cause it's 'old' doesn't mean people saw it the first time or payed any attention to it when it came out. They might be more receptive to it now.
Abyssal Maw:

I mean jesus. It's a DUNGEON. You're supposed to walk in there like you own the place, busting down doors and pushing over sarcophagi lids and stuff. If anyone dares step up, you set off fireballs.

Pierce Inverarity

So wait... Unknown Armies is old school now?

I need a drink.
Ich habe mir schon sehr lange keine Gedanken mehr über Bleistifte gemacht.--Settembrini

Dr Rotwang!

Quote from: Pierce InveraritySo wait... Unknown Armies is old school now?

I need a drink.
I -- if -- Krak--

Due, two-thousand fo--

That's not OLD!
Dr Rotwang!
...never blogs faster than he can see.
FONZITUDE RATING: 1985
[/font]

KrakaJak

It's old enough to be out of Print...
-Jak
 
 "Be the person you want to be, at the expense of everything."
Spreading Un-Common Sense since 1983

Claudius

First. Yes. Reviews are always good, whatever the game. Not everybody owns all games, no matter how well known. Besides, sometimes it's more fun to read games you know than games you don't know.

Second. Yes, I wouldn't say Unknown Armies is old school, but whatever. It's a game I don't own, didn't play, didn't read, so I'm going to read the review.
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Pete

If you're gonna review Unknown Armies as old school, could you at least have made it the first edition?  I think that was done in 2000.  It'll make us feel at least a little bit better...