<editorsnote>Hi, I'm Jen Friel, and we here at TNTML examine the lives of nerds outside of the basements and into the social media, and dating world. We have over 75 peeps that write about their life in real time. (Real nerds, real time, real deal.) Sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the stories!!</editorsnote>
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto
Reviews are a tough subject in the gaming world. I know I’m jumping right out of the gate here after not writing something video game related for a while here but I’m going full-frontal journalism on you. It’ll be awesome. Reviews, they’re hard to do and they’re important because some people base their purchases off them. So, naturally, it is a very heavy responsibility for reviewers to take up and shoulder.
Now, there are some people who do not take it seriously or are too cool to do their job right. I’m not going to name names here, but there was once a reviewer who gave a game a 2/10 without even playing the game. You read what I’m typing? HE DIDN’T EVEN DO HIS JOB. HE JUST LOOKED AT THE GAME AND SAID, “THIS LOOKS LIKE CRAP,” AND GAVE IT A BAD SCORE. That kind of stuff pisses me off at the complete lack of professionalism that it displays.
I understand, it’s a chore to play a video game. I mean, really, having so much fun and sitting down for hours playing a video game must be taxing on a person over time. I get it, it happens to us all. But to blatantly not play a game, give it a shit score, and be a part of a large media outlet that will most assuredly be read by the publisher and factor into the decision of future plans for the property is just bullshit.
But, more to the point, this brings forth the age old question that many journalists like myself have had many a time. I’ve brought it up at G4, my own outlet, at E3 with other people there covering the event and even at PAX. I’ve even brought in developers and people I’ve interviewed into the discussion.
Do reviewers have to finish a game to review it completely?
Let’s look at some examples. “Duke Nukem Forever.” Oh yeah, that game. While it may have been the crudest game to come out in a long time since “Leisure Suit Larry,” “Conker’s Bad Fur Day” and possibly even “Bulletstorm,” that could not save “Duke Nukem Forever.” However, it was the exact game that people were asking for, people just didn’t realize that they had grown up and they might not actually like Duke Nukem anymore because the humor was dated. Still, they asked for a Duke Nukem game and got it.
I played the game. I got about halfway through the game when I realized, “Oh my god. This is the entire game. It’s not going to get better is it?” So I wrote my review. I was a little more forgiving than some other people to the game, but everyone else said the same thing. It was a bad game. It was badly made, and it didn’t get better.
Now, take “Borderlands 2.” That’s a lot of game right there. I mean, easily 50+ hours. I cannot finish a game like that in a timely fashion to review it fully. I mean, with school, work and other activities in life, I really can’t do it. Now, gaming sites and outlets that make their living doing this stuff, they should be playing it all day and night to get the review out. No question. They might even beat it. However, someone like myself who has limited time has to play as much of the game as possible to get a good grip of it and review it to the best of their abilities, or risk the review not being relevant.
For games like this, I judge where to stop in a special way. Certain games will have unlockable skills or abilities that you get over time in the game. In “BL2,” you get to carry four weapons at a time after a certain point in the game. To me, when you’ve unlocked all the spells, or weapon slots, or skills or what have you, that is the point the game where the developers are saying “This is the full game from here on out. The rest is just story and exploring.” At that point, I review the game. I try not to give spoilers about the games I review because not everyone can beat a game in a week. It just isn’t doable and people like to play through the stories. That’s why they bought the game in the first place. However, I comment on whether it’s written well or fits in with the others and yadda yadda. No specifics.
I believe that you don’t have to complete a game to review it well, but you do have to play it for more than six hours or get to a point where the full game is unlocked for you. That’s just being professional and seeing the range of the title. However, others I know would argue that you have to finish the game. “What if something happens at the end that fucks it all up? What if you get special stuff near the end that is different than the stuff at the middle?” True, those things happen. No doubt, but I will play the games all the way through when I have the ability to. And I won’t comment on anything I haven’t seen or come into contact with myself for honesty’s sake.
It’s a difference in opinion, but it’s still professional to do either or. What is unacceptable is just writing a game off before you even play it and costing the company a sequel. That’s just wrong and an insult to the hours a person put into making something. It’s like saying, “Oh, I won’t go to this art gallery because I don’t like anything that person has done. Have I seen it? Oh, no, but I don’t like it.” That’s rude. And stupid. And you should feel bad. You know who you are.
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet by buddy Jeff. We met on twitter a little while back, and then over Christmas I helped him revamp his OKC profile. He's now here to talk to you about his life outside of the programming world. I only have one more thing left to say ... HIT IT JEFF!!! </editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Jtwebman
So last nightly I had an out of body experiences. Jen took a picture of herself and posted on Facebook saying, “On my way to a charity event then a date in South Beach with bachelor number two! Yay life!!!” Just a week ago she had her phone and debit card taken and her bank account drained. And still went to Miami anyways. So, now she was going again, but because she went the first time. For one, I more than likely would have not gone that weekend and she just jumped on the plane assuming everything was going to be ok and it was. As it sounds, she had this wonderful weekend. Which in my crazy introvert world was crazy enough to knock me out of my little world and look in.
After thinking for a bit I thought, “Wow, how does she just let life happen?” So I made a comment:
Her first comment was mind blowing. At first I wanted to deny it. Is it really that easy? Just say “Yes” to everything? Those childhood/introverted sayings came up like what if someone invites me to jump of a bridge. Then I think, “So what? It might actually be fun.” Or, “What if I can’t do it or fail or it isn’t fun?” I counter those with, “How will I know if I don’t try?” Now I think if you promised someone something you should do that, but with basic needs met and promises kept it really does make sense. So I said, “Deal, starting it now.”
Then she gives me an assignment to go outside and walk around my neighborhood and see what inspires me and follow the trail. Now I was in the middle of working so I wasn’t able to do it right away but after I wrapped up my deployment (pushing websites from staging/testing to production) I walk outside.
I stood at the corner thinking “Which way should I go?” See, I almost never just get out without a plan. I always get out with a place in mind. So I have to say I was a little lost but one thing I like about myself is I am good at making decisions and going for it. I can make adjustments later if need be. So I thought, “Well, I have never really walked up Overland so let’s do that.” I have driven up there many times but driving means you miss so much.
As I was walking up I didn’t see much just a bunch of apartments for a few blocks but as I got closer to Culver Blvd I saw a few places. Across the street I saw two little coffee shops. One I had seen but the other I had never noticed because it was small and squished between two buildings. It was also packed and the other one was almost empty yet both were open which I thought, “How interesting.” I kept walking though as I wanted to see what was up farther.
Further down there was a chilly place which was packed as well but for the most part there wasn’t much else besides this awesome water fountain at Overland and Culver Blvd. So I played tourist in my own back yard and took a picture.
After that I walked down the other side to check out the little busy coffee shop. It wasn’t as busy when I got back down there but there still were about 20 people in there and the place maybe fits 30 people. At first I almost didn’t go in. My gut was saying, too many people you don’t know, don’t go in but I instead flip around and went in. I am glad I did. Once I found out they have free wifi and it was a little better than even my home internet. I also found that all their drinks are at least a $1 less than Starbucks. Double win!
Also I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone and saying Hi to strangers over the last month in an effort to meet new people in LA. It’s been the hardest part about moving out to LA. I knew only one other person in the LA area when I moved out here and that is it. I knew Jen as well but only over the internet. I am not sure what has happen to me in the last 7 or so years but it’s like I forgot how to meet new people and make friends. I had become a hermit but no more. I don’t like being so introverted that I do nothing out besides a movie all week and grocery shopping.
I know it doesn’t seem like much especially since I only went into a coffee shop but for me it was huge. It reminded me that everything we do in life is our choice and if you want to change you only have to keep making that choice to do so.
Thanks Jen for helping me break out and grow a little more. I know it’s been months since I have written a lifecasting style post but I am so glad you pushed me. Here is my homework assignment, what is next Ms. Friel?
I am on a date right now with bachelor number two in coincidentally Miami again. Totally random too!! This guy isn't even from here he's just on business and when I told him how much I loved Miami he sent me a ticket.
Now, here I be, in a bathrobe getting my samurai on. =) =) =)
Isn't the internet the most wonderfulest thing ever???
I'll be putzin around South Beach today if anyone wants to say howdy you can just tweet me - @JenFriel.
Dudes, I totally got an epic massage last night AND talked to two 50 year olds in this super fancy pants room about smoking pot.
So random.
Either way, here's a song to get your day going. Happy Miami day everyone!!
I know it may seem a bit weird: a video game review website reviewing a book? But hear me out: if you have a love for video games, amazing storytelling, and the history of video games, you will love Ready Player One. It is immediately clear that the author, Ernest Cline, is a sincere gamer, and an even more sincere nerd. There is literally so much nerd packed into this book it is truly incredible. Cline has a particular fondness for eighties nerd culture references, but he includes everything right up to present day. The bottom line is this: if you’re a video game nerd like me, this is the book you've been waiting for.
The book’s plot is set in a semi-apocalyptic 2044 in the United States. Essentially, giant cities are really all that remain, with vast stretches of wasteland in between. Around the cities (where the wealthy typically live) are columns and columns of “The Stacks” – towers of trailers piled on top of one another to save space. As you may guess, the poor tend to occupy the stacks, and it is one such occupant, Wade Watts, that is the protagonist of the story.
Even though the world is falling into ruin, no one really cares too much because everyone spends most of their time in another world, the OASIS. The OASIS is essentially a giant video game that functions as an online world. Technology has advanced so that you can virtually immerse yourself completely in the game. Think The Matrix without the creepy spine thing. The Oasis offers a world where just about anything is possible – worlds to explore, quests to complete, PVP combat, shopping, schooling – just about anything you can think of. It does run on its own economy, so you do need in-game currency to do these things. That’s the problem Wade has: he’s got a virtual universe to explore and no money to do so.
When Wade isn’t going to school, he spends most of his time searching for the “Egg”. You see, the OASIS was designed by a legendary programmer – James Halliday. When Halliday passed away, he left a rather strange will behind. He left his entire fortune (an obscene amount of money) to the winner of a contest he had created inside of the OASIS. Essentially, he hid a video game easter egg in the virtual world of the OASIS, and the first player to find this egg receives Halliday’s fortune (and essentially control of the OASIS). Reminiscent of a certain chocolate factory owner’s contest, it is enough motivation for Wade to become obsessed with finding the egg. He becomes a “gunter”, a person who spends their time studying Halliday’s life in order to find the egg. A lot of this research boils down to classic eighties pop culture, video game history, and anything in the geek/nerd culture as well. To keep track of who is winning the contest, Halliday created a scoreboard where anyone who makes progress towards finding the egg receives points. The scoreboard is empty for a number of years following Halliday’s death. The egg is simply too well-hidden. But everything changes when Wade finds the first clue and jumps to the top of the leader board.
The plot focuses on the race to the egg and the various steps to get there that Wade must take. He comes into contact with both friends and foes along his journey (although all of them are looking for the egg). There’s the cool best friend, the evil mega-corporation, and the girl of his dreams all to contend with. And while the overall plot arc may not be anything revolutionary, Cline does throw in some cool twists to keep you guessing, particularly near the end of the story.
The book itself is a very easy read. It really does feel like a video game, with each chapter being a level or mission to complete. I have to say I have a hard time remembering having this much fun reading a book. The characters are incredibly easy to relate to, the plot is engaging and exciting, and the cultural references are funny, nostalgic, and charming. Cline even manages to throw in some social commentary into the mix, without ever being heavy-handed or patronizing. He asks earnest questions about what it means to have a “virtual identity”, to have the mask of anonymity when online. And whether or not true anonymity is real or not. As our world becomes more and more digital, will we lose ourselves in it, or hold on to who we really are?
I really can’t recommend this book highly enough. Let me put it this way: if a book references Blade Runner, Pac Man, Star Wars, The Lord of The Rings, Back to the Future, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Mobile Suit Gundam, Firefly, and Cowboy Bebop, it’s going to be pretty awesome. I had so much fun reading this book, and I hope you will too.
What a very eye opening 24 hours this has been. For reals!! Not only did I get hit up yesterday by one of the 103 dates in 9 months BUUUTTT we started a cool new dating sponsorship, AND I found out I'm LEAVING FOR MIAMI TONIGHT ... AGAIN!!!!(This trip btw, is definitely going to be party hardy marty! On Saturday I'm going to this super fancy pants rooftop thingie majiggie with gorgeous half naked men. Prepare drool cups!)
This being our first day doing it, we were more or less just scouting things out to see what we would need to do a full blown kick off next week.
We first set up at a starbucks but quickly realized this wasn't a good environment.
We need to do this at a bar, I said to John. I'll talk to some of the restaurants around and see if we can get the first pitcher free for everyone.
Great, he said adding his own suggestion on contacting alumni associations, and student unions.
John, being in college, knows a lot about this.
Great, great, great, I kept saying.
We then wrote down the next doable actions for my call with Date My School.
While we were sitting jotting all of everything down, I got a message from one of my 103 OKC dates in 9 months.
Woooahhh, I said to John.
Here is the actual message ...
FTR, "blacklisting" someone requires too much energy. I have NO hate for anyone ... ever. I jive with being a happy little hippie, but my time is also money and if I don't hit it off with someone I bounce. Period end of sentence.
No hard feelings, nada. Just you be you, I'll be me, and keep on being awesome!
Either way, we then agreed to meet up at Barneys but first John and I decided to get some grub.
John is a very interesting soul. He's first of all super young, but one of the wisest people I know. I genuinely don't even think it registers with him half of the shit that comes out of his mouth - but everything is always so profound.
I decided to seize the opportunity and open up to him about everything going on in my life.
I'm ready to settle down, I said. I've been ready all year actually, but now my body is literally kicking in and I genuinely can't stop oohing and aahing at little kids as they cross my path. I always knew I was super maternal, but this is the first time in my life that I'm genuinely picturing having a family and what that would be like.
Dude, I was at a casting earlier this year and they handed me a stuffed baby giraffe in a baby blanket and I almost cried. It was the size of a newborn but it was this SURRGGEEE of holy shit, I could totally do this.
Wow, he said.
Yeah, but at the end of the day, it was still a baby giraffe so let's not get ahead of ourselves here.
He started laughing.
I don't know who I am anymore, I admitted. I'm 27, I consider myself very successful, and now for the first time LITERALLY in my entire life my goals are not professional and I have no series of next doable actions. This is hands down the scariest time of my life.
It's the difference between letting your body rule you and your identity rule you.
Wow, that's really profound, I said. I agree though, we think we're so evolved as human beings but that's just the ego speaking. There are preexisting biological factors that I literally cannot deny. I've always thought it was SUPER cliche to call it your "biological clock" but I totally get it and I see it in my friends as well.
I'm not just dating anymore, I admitted, I'm looking for a suitor. I size guys up SO differently now and I guarantee you it's because of these hormones and surges I feel in my body.
He stopped me.
Look at what you just said.
What? I said.
You called them suitors. Not dates, not boyfriend - you used the word suitor.
Do you know the root of that word?
No, I said.
Back in the day, regal women would have suitors come to their door to try to court the woman. Working class women had callers, but regal women had suitors. You have suitors, and you are looking for marriage not just dating.
I KNOW, I said - and there goes my unconscious admitting that on a deeper level.
I am confident that you will know when you know, and when you do know you have to pursue him or you'll spend the rest of your life regretting it.
I know, I admitted, holding back tears. I have to be respectful obviously, but I have to have to have to keep pursuing. I will literally live the rest of my life regretting passing this up if I don't.
He smiled knowing what I was talking about.
He then finished his burrito and switched topics.
I've never seen someone hustle or work harder than you Jen. The only thing you are fighting now is time and other people to understand what it is that you are doing. You live your entire life with the yin and yang that people STRIVE to even see. Your work is your life which is your passion.
Wow, I say sitting back in the booth. This genuinely means a lot to me coming from you.
(It's one thing to have someone compliment you on your work ethic, it's another to have someone working for you say how well you are doing. Extremely, extremely humbling.)
I know you'll achieve anything you want, I believe in it so much - you just have to be happy.
I really appreciated this conversation, I said to John. It's amazing how life gives you exactly what you need the moment you need it.
John then stood up and I gave him a big hug.
You are so wise beyond your years John.
Aw shucks, he says with a smile.
I then switched over to one of the back booths so I could charge my phone and wait for my date.
I knew nothing was going to happen with this guy since we ended things so poorly last time - but I figured he did charm me enough to get a second AND third date, so maybe seeing things with a fresh set of eyes would change things.
(Working with a shaman for a year can't not change someone. I was just excited to see what was different!!)
I look down at the clock and notice it is 5 past 8.
Really? really? AND he's late? I thought tweeting out my frustration.
The second I click send I notice there is someone standing in front of me.
Hello, he says.
I get up and hug him.
Good to see you, I say.
Thanks you too.
He then sits down in the booth.
Charging your phone at the bar, I see.
Clearly. This is what I do, I say with a smile.
He then stares at me ... deeply.
It's good to see you, I say breaking the stare.
It's really good to see you too, he said continuing to stare.
Wow, you're really mellow, he said.
Am I? I said. That is literally the last thing anyone has ever said about me.
You are. Your energy has changed. Just wait until you start talking about your business and then that charisma will come out.
I actually don't talk about my business anymore. I'm pretty good with everyone and am now seeking more in regards to dating.
He then leans in.
I haven't admitted this to anyone, he says, but I'm in escrow.
Congratulations, I said.
Yeah, I've been working really hard and saving like crazy.
Remembering that he brought a groupon on our first date I replied, yes, you have been!
He continues to stare at me. hard.
Tell me more, I said, breaking the stare again.
What would you like to know?
I don't know, I say. I'm not a naturally inquisitive person.
He then goes back to staring.
WOW, this is so fucking uncomfortable I thought.
What are irish sunglasses made out of?
I don't know, what?
Two black eyes.
I stare back, barely laughing.
What is a 7 course meal for an irish person? he asked.
I don't know, what? I say dry
A six pack and a potato.
Do you not like off colored jokes? he asked
I do when they are funny, I say without skipping a beat.
He then makes the awkward turtle hand signal.
What are you thinking right now, he asked?
I don't know, I admit. I feel very open, and I'm listening to what you are saying.
You are VERY focused, he said.
I know, you have my attention, so I am giving it to you, I reply back again very dry.
Everything in this kid is SO THICK!!! He is HANDS DOWN one of the most dense people I have ever met in my entire life. I genuinely don't know if he never dates, or what his issue is - but MAN, there is being "bad" with women and then there is this kid. He doesn't understand cues, and he doesn't at all understand that STARING at a woman like she is a literal piece of meat is the most uncomfortable thing in the entire world.
What should my response be? Think about it!!!
He KEPT staring at me complimenting me on my eyes, etc. As a female what else can I say other than thank you? and THEN where does the conversation go??
Women respond to emotion. MEN are physical.
HOW DOES THIS GUY NOT KNOW THAT?!?!?! (He had also told me on our first date that he studied social dynamics. This guy HADD to have only taken an intro class or just failed out. I've NEVER seen anything like it.)
I then bit my lip about to take a sip of beer.
AH-HA! He said.
What? I say putting the beer down.
You bit your lip.
Oh, I say, realizing my lips were genuinely very chapped.
<tangent> Biting your lip is typically a sign of attraction. </tangent>
You have to take the entire situation into play, I explain to him. Everything is like a snapshot. You have to understand someone's constant before jumping to that conclusion. Out of those snapshots you tell the entire story - you can't just take a corner and expect it to be the entire bit of everything.
<tangent> Dudes, I haven't had sex in almost THREE MONTHS (or done ANYTHING sexually related) and after spending literally days with VERY smart, VERY gorgeous, eligible bachelors - if I'm not sleeping or touching them, I'm DEFINITELY not sleeping or touching a 25 year old that I find so terribly uninspiring. </tangent>
Let's go for a walk, he said.
Alrite, I say. There is a fountain right there.
We then waited for the waitress and surprisingly she took a really ... really ... long time.
The Righteous brothers then come on the radio ...
AHHHHH!! I love this scene from Top Gun, I say.
I haven't seen Top Gun, he admits.
WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!! I scream
Yeah, I haven't seen Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, or The Big Lebowski.
WHAATT!?!?!?!?! I scream back.
Now, I know I am the pop culture queen, and I genuinely don't expect guys to be - but COME ON!!!! These are culturally iconic flicks that need to be seen at SOME POINT in people's lives.
I understand the references, he said.
I shoot back.
Dude, that's like me showing you this menu and describing what all of this food is like. To truly understand it you first have to EXPERIENCE it!!! You can't get the friggen references without understanding where they come from?!?!!?!?
At this point I got why this guy and I didn't continue dating; I genuinely would have shot myself.
He's super super super dense, completely misreads cues, and is extremely immature.
Again though, maybe he doesn't date. I very honestly don't know - but all I DID know in that moment was the fact that I wanted out ... FAST.
The server then comes over and she hands us the bill.
I take out some of the very little cash that I had offering to pay my part.
He grabs the money out of my hand putting it in his pocket.
Wow, I thought.
Now, it's NEVVEERRRRRR about the money when it comes to dating, but rather the courtship process in general. Women psychologically need to view a man as a provider (hence my entire post on gender roles). Period end of sentence.
This guy being so immature emotionally to begin with I wondered if he could even take care of himself.
We then walk out of the bar, and I give him a hug thanking him for the evening.
What about the walk, he said?
(He at this point had been telling me all evening how he has to get up early for work.)
You've just said over and over that you have to get up early in the morning, and tomorrow I have to get ready for Miami (more on that in a minute).
Wow, he said, breaking the hug.
Good night, I said putting on my headphones and grabbing a cab.
By the time I got home I look down and realize I got a text.
Here is the actual message ...
WHO PARKS AT BARNEYS?!?!?! It's West Hollywood - you WILL get a parking ticket.
So so so so so stupid.
UUGGHHHH!! I think as I get into my apartment.
I then see my roommate and her boyfriend.
THIS is why I didn't continue to see this guy, I say showing them the text message. He was so THICK headed!!! Even if this happens, you don't EVER tell the girl about it. He's such a fucking pussy, man.
They all laughed and moments later more texts came in ...
Normally when a guy asks for feedback I'm TOTALLY game to give it to him - but this kid just fucking annoys me. He DOESN'T GO AWAY!!! He did this last time too, after I told him to go away he texted me for DAYSSSS after.
Emails.
Calls.
Texts.
Repeat.
Emails.
Calls.
Texts.
So. Fucking. Thick. Headed.
Like, it's genuinely shocking.
I don't want to feed into his machine, so I just decided to ignore knowing that at least if he doesn't catch the hint my next response back would not be so kind.
I then laid down in bed and thought about Miami. This trip is going to be AHHHH-MAZING!!
<tangent> So, yesterday morning, I got an email from this duderino. He's a super super super successful businessman and has also been a UN peace keeper in Macedonia. Oh yeah, and did I mention that he's fucking gorgeous? It's redic actually. Either way, we struck up a chat and come to find out he's in Miami for the next few days.
ANNNNNDDD now I'm going to Miami. Again. He's already told me some of the stuff we are doing and this is DEFINITELY not going to be the same experience.
Can we please not talk about my work, I asked? My last date was very work-centric and while I'm obvi not mad at it, I'm just not looking to talk about what I do.
Not a problem, he said. =)
</tangent>
ANNNNNNDDD there you have it! Tonight, I am going to a charity event followed by getting dropped off at the airport sometime before midnight where I will sleep there for a few hours and then catch my 6am flight TO MIAMI TRICK!!!
Adventures in adventuring, FTW!! At least this time I'll have a cell phone. YAY PICTURES!!!
Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 11:00PM
Reviews are a tough subject in the gaming world. I know I’m jumping right out of the gate here after not writing something video game related for a while here but I’m going full-frontal journalism on you. It’ll be awesome. Reviews, they’re hard to do and they’re important because some people base their purchases off them. So, naturally, it is a very heavy responsibility for reviewers to take up and shoulder.
many a time. I’ve brought it up at G4, my own outlet, at E3 with other people there covering the event and even at PAX. I’ve even brought in developers and people I’ve interviewed into the discussion.
For games like this, I judge where to stop in a special way. Certain games will have unlockable skills or abilities that you get over time in the game. In “BL2,” you get to carry four weapons at a time after a certain point in the game. To me, when you’ve unlocked all the spells, or weapon slots, or skills or what have you, that is the point the game where the developers are saying “This is the full game from here on out. The rest is just story and exploring.” At that point, I review the game. I try not to give spoilers about the games I review because not everyone can beat a game in a week. It just isn’t doable and people like to play through the stories. That’s why they bought the game in the first place. However, I comment on whether it’s written well or fits in with the others and yadda yadda. No specifics.
