Which reviewer do you trust the most?

[Dreadman75]

A pretty simple question my fellow escapists: With the general state of distrust towards most video game reviewers lately are there any at all that you still rely on to give the truth in as unbiased a way as possible?

I used to read the reviews posted on sites like Gamesradar, IGN, and Gamespot. But lately I've sort of given up on them, at least on the review fronts (They still post some worthwhile articles). And I don't really know of nor visit many other sites dedicated primarily to gaming.

Lately the one of only two reviewers I really like is...

Spoiler

This guy.

Why? He tells it straight. When he lives up to his name it's justified, and he isn't afraid to call out both fans and the video game companies on their bullshit. The video above being a good case in point.

And even though he's not a video game "reviewer" so much as a critic. I still trust Yahtzee more so than most. He frequently brings up some good points in his videos.

So Escapists, who are your most trusted video game reviewers?

 

[go-10]

only 3 in order
1. Jim Sterling
2. Anthony Gallegos
3. Yahtzee

 

[shrekfan246]

There's no such thing as an unbiased review.

Now that that's out of the way.

I only really follow Yahtzee and Jim Sterling as far as reviews go, because they're both entertaining while still pointing out the highlights or flaws of whatever they're reviewing.

Otherwise I look at summaries and/or watch gameplay of the game in question.

 

[Tuesday Night Fever]

Honestly? None.

While I like Angry Joe and Yahtzee, I'm much more likely to buy or pass up a game based on the opinions of people I actually know. I tend to have a better understanding of what it is they like and dislike about the gaming experience, and I know for a fact that they aren't in any publisher/developer's pocket.

That said, I'd prefer demos over reviewers every single time.

 

[sanquin]

Jim Sterling, Yahtzee, Angry Joe, and lastly even though he doesn't really review, TotalBiscuit.

That being said, reviews or views into games from those people are only used as part of my decision. I generally look all over the net for reviews, gameplay vids, trailers, etc. Only after I'm confident I have a general feel of what the game will be like will I decide on buying it or not. Which...90% of the time results in a 'No, not worth my money'.

 

[deviltry]

Zero Punctuation and my most critical friends.

 

[IllumInaTIma]

I have to say Joe. Not only because of the reasons you stated, but just because we kinda have similar tastes. Also Total Biscuit.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

Total Biscuit. He doesn't really review, but he most definitely gives a strong opinion.

Angry Joe is entertaining, but I think he's prone to getting a little over excited. Who would have thought it, eh? From a guy named Angry Joe.

Of those in the more traditional gaming media, I trust Tom Chick to be honest 100% of the time. I seldom agree with him, but he's honest.

 

[Baron von Blitztank]

I've kind of stopped reading reviews now and just tend to see what the buzz is on The Escapist game forums. That way I hear from a lot of different opinions and can get the general consensus of what's good and what's bad about a game. I also tend to use Yahtzee's Top/Bottom 5 lists to judge whether or not I'll enjoy a game or not.

 

[ThePuzzldPirate]

Razorfist
ScrewAttack
Destructoid-most of the time.

 

[OpticalJunction]

angry joe
archengeia
mrbtongue

 

[Jedi-Hunter4]

Explosive Alans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgrS05zmK2M&feature=share&list=PLfJDEDU5aLw7fW75eFhPkhLl2gTBXlh0c

Since the end of Inside Xbox they don't rely on sponsors or any corporate entity beyond whats reasonably possible, started themselves by indiegogo so funded by the fans.

Pretty funny, an their fairly in mind with what I like, although a bit more broad minded game wise. They at least try an stay objective even when their not a fan of something.

SO SO SO many reviewers are either striving to prove nobody owns their opinion and thus become over opinionated and don't even attempt to give a neutral view point, I find these ones are mostly the ones with no formal experience or higher English/writing education, or are totally bought by certain powers and never hold a negative view unless its a competitor (which seems to unfortunately be the majority of reviews who do know how to stay objective and form an article). Leaving a minority you can actually trust.

There's no such thing as an unbiased review.

Yes but a good reviewer should convey their opinion and at least try and also convey a objective view even if its not to their taste. You can give a positive review of something you don't like.

 

[Rawne1980]

Angry Joe is pretty decent.

He does give the good and bad sides an equal mention. My only beef with him is he tends to score some games higher than I would. It's a personal thing. Although, as i've said in other threads on reviews, I never pay attention to scores anyway.

I watch TotalBiscuit for his WTF episodes on upcoming games too. He shows the good and the bad and gameplay footage while it's going on. Although it's more "preview" than "review".

 

[Andy Shandy]

I don't trust any reviewer implicitly but the ones I follow the most (mainly entertainment purposes) would be

Our very own Yahtzee and Jim Sterling, and also Totalbiscuit.

I also take on board what the forum here, and also The Brovengers chat (they seem to have the same sort of views on games as me =D ) for most things.

 

[momijirabbit]

Jim Sterling, Ben Croshaw and Jontron (Godamn I forgot his last name again).

 

[Ryan Durel]

I don't really 'trust' any of them. I've seen some who've made valid points, but I generally try to form my own opinion of a game as opposed to just having the same opinion as a reviewer.

 

[IGetNoSlack]

only 3 in order
Anthony Gallegos

Indeed. He DOES write good reviews. Angry Joe, Yahtzee, TotalBiscuit, etc.

 

[bigfatcarp93]

I don't really follow any game reviewer very raptly, but I've never found myself strongly disagreeing with Angry Joe or Jim Sterling. Of couse, I've only seen/read a few of their reviews yet.