Do you prefer to read game reviews with or without spoilers?

[Jerkface Killah]

Hey gang. Quick question. If you were to watch a video game review video, would you prefer that the review be spoiler free, or do you not care it contain game plot points? Are you looking for a game summary/recap or just a simple, play this game or don't play this game reaction? ThiS info will help me with my reviews. Thanks. Also note I didn't put this in the game review section because it's more of a general question.

JFK

[Gamerforlife]

I always assume a review is for someone who hasn't played a game yet. So I don't like spoilers. I think too many reviewers do that actually. I like little to no spoilers about story or any other surprises the game may have. In fact, a lot of reviewers like to blow any cool surprises a game may have. I think anything that hasn't been shown in previews shouldn't be mentioned or shown in a game review personally

I like to know a little about a game's gameplay, quality of graphics/sound, quality of the story(without spoiling it), and then a final conclusion. I think it's good to try and keep a review interesting too. Too many reviews just sound like a guy explaining every single thing about the gameplay like you're listening to an audio instruction booklet. Reviewers don't need to explain EVERYTHING about the gameplay, just tell us what is interesting or different about it. Also, avoid cliches. I HATE when a review for a licensed game begins with the usual, "well as we all know, licensed games are usually dissapointing", says the reviewer who has lived in a cave for years.

I'm sure you'll do great though. Will be interesting to see some of the other responses in this thread

[skyknight]

Reviews should always be done with a fair perspective without any personal bias, and for the respect of the readers it should be spoiler-free.

But some thing can be brought out, IIRC, when MGS4 was set to come out, Konami did ban one publisher for mentioning the pre-loading before game start. I think this can be brought out for gamers to be aware of certain things.

Otherwise storyline should be kept at a minimum, but references could be use. Gameplay should be mentioned and explained so that readers can understand.

That's what I think of.

[BakaTanuki]

Depends on if the reviews purpose. If the review is meant as an introduction, then spoiler free. But some reviews are not for the sake of the undecided, but to share their views with other players. In this case, spoilers are completely appropriate. What is important is that the reader is warned if this is the case.

[MrPopo]

With regards to spoilers, I'd say anything that can be experienced within the first hour or two of play (depending on overall game length) is free game, barring some kind of masterful plot twist that occurs during that timeframe.