[General Discussion] The Death of the Game Review

Originally Posted by Megalith

These days, with downloadable game demos being so accessible, and in particular, free, is there honestly any point to game reviews anymore, other than to amuse oneself with the ego of a publisher or what advertising money can buy?

Pretty much all of my purchasing decisions have been made by demos I've downloaded off Live or PSN in the past year. Although most of the demos are short, it tells me all I need to know...how great it actually looks, how it controls, etc. And I will always know the feel of the title, something that a review will never be able to portray.

All you'll know from a demo is a general feel for the game.

What you won't know:
-Game Length
-Multiplayer quality
-Unlockable/bonus stuff
-Final Build quality (since demos are often released months before, and are not indicative of the final product)
-Whether the beginning of the game (or whatever section comprises the demo) is just a slow part.

Some games have great/crappy demos and end up being crappy/great instead.
Also, there is a large majority of games that don't ever release a demo.

Jam it back in, in the dark.