Dustin is a passionate board game enthusiast with a competitive edge and a love for cooperative gaming. With a strong foundation in mathematics, he enjoys delving into the statistical and probability aspects of games. Outside of the gaming world, Dustin is a keen chess player and enjoys exploring the great outdoors on hiking trails.
As an avid board game player, I understand the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to buying games. When it comes to video game reviews, the question of whether to watch them before or after buying a game is a common one. In my opinion, there are benefits to both approaches, and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and gaming habits.
Watching video game reviews before buying:
If you're considering purchasing a new video game, watching reviews beforehand can be a valuable resource. Here's why:
1. Get an overview: Video game reviews often provide an overview of the game's mechanics, storyline, and overall gameplay experience. This can help you determine if the game aligns with your interests and preferences.
2. Assess the quality: Reviews can give you an idea of the game's overall quality, including graphics, sound design, and performance. This is especially important if you're playing on a console or PC with specific hardware requirements.
3. Learn about potential issues: Reviews may highlight any technical issues or bugs that the game might have. This can be helpful in deciding whether to wait for patches or updates before purchasing.
4. Discover hidden gems: Video game reviews can introduce you to lesser-known titles that you might have overlooked otherwise. They often cover a wide range of games, from AAA titles to indie gems, giving you a broader perspective on what's available.
Watching video game reviews after buying:
While watching reviews before buying a game can be beneficial, there are also advantages to watching them after making a purchase:
1. Avoid spoilers: Some gamers prefer to go into a new game with a fresh perspective, avoiding any potential spoilers. By waiting until after you've played the game, you can watch reviews without worrying about having key plot points or surprises revealed.
2. Validate your experience: Watching video game reviews after playing a game can be a way to validate your own thoughts and opinions. It can be interesting to see how your experience compares to that of the reviewer and gain new insights into the game.
3. Discover hidden features: Reviews can uncover hidden features, Easter eggs, or alternative gameplay paths that you may have missed during your initial playthrough. This can enhance your overall gaming experience and encourage replayability.
4. Make informed recommendations: By watching reviews after playing a game, you can better recommend it to friends or fellow gamers. You'll have a deeper understanding of the game's strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to provide more accurate recommendations.
In conclusion, whether you choose to watch video game reviews before or after buying a game depends on your personal preferences. If you value making informed decisions and want to ensure a game aligns with your interests, watching reviews before purchasing can be beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid spoilers and want to validate your own experience, watching reviews after playing the game can be a valuable post-purchase activity. Ultimately, the choice is yours!