[Stinger]

I wanted to get our readers' thoughts on the "hands-on previews" we've had for Broken Sword 3 and Jack the Ripper. Do these serve a purpose for you guys? Often we get review copies in our hands and work like mad to get reviews done in a timely manner, but it's hard when all of our writers work full-time jobs. Would you all like to have a two-hour first impressions article to just give you the gist of it as soon as we get the game, and then we can take a bit more time to really write a good review? Or are these previews inconsequential compared to a timely, albeit a bit rushed, review?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. We continue to value all feedback on what we can do to make Adventure Gamers a better website.

- Evan

[D.C.]

I like the hands-on previews although they sometimes come across as an incomplete review. I like them though... I'd like having both the hands-on preview and an actual review.

[ragnar]

I have nothing really against the hand on previews. But currently, they're the least interesting articles on the site, but as long as you also make good full reviews, then I'm satisfied.

[Curt]

For me the hands-on previews serve their purpose. It's always nice to get a players perspective on an up-and-coming game, being fed small details that can help wet our appetites.

I would disagree with you, Stinger, in your preview of Jack the Ripper, that "the characters look very good" though. From what I've seen in the videos released the characters are animated extremely poorly. I found their movements very annoying. Maybe the videos don't do the characters justice, but I somehow doubt it.

But I say keep the hands-on previews coming, thanks.

[Tamara]

Originally Posted by Curt

wet our appetites.

that spelling mistake always gives off somewhat unpleasant visualisations to me ...

[Curt]

Originally Posted by Tamara

that spelling mistake always gives off somewhat unpleasant visualisations to me ...

Don't blame the spelling mistake, Tamz, blame your dirty mind.

[Stinger]

Okay, who had 4 for the number of posts it would take Tamara to turn a serious site-related thread into a dirty mind joke?

- Evan

[Stinger]

Originally Posted by ragnar

I have nothing really against the hand on previews. But currently, they're the least interesting articles on the site, but as long as you also make good full reviews, then I'm satisfied.

Doesn't that likely have more to do with you just not caring about Jack the Ripper? If I did a hands-on preview of Sam & Max 2 two hours after I had it in my hand, I don't think you find it "the least interesting." I mean, we DID review RHEM, after all.

[DomStLeger]

I like the Hands On Previews alot. I find them very interesting to read, as they give an adventuregamer's style perspective on a game before the full review. I disagree that they are the least interesting parts of the site, though obviously once the review comes out they do have little use.

I prefer to wait for the full review than have it rushed, because thenyou risk not giving a fair and balanced score. Taking more time over a game is much better, because then we know the reviewer really palyed the game for enjoyment rather than under pressure to finish it in 3 nights and write a snap review.

The only problem I see is that they can, as stated by Serial Freak, sometimes come across as incomplete reviews. It's probably hard to eliminate that, but even with that slight problem the two so far have been informative and certainly helped to keep me happy while I wait for the full review.

[bigjko]

I loved the BS3 hands-on. Got me hyped. It just depends on the game, I guess. I'd be foaming over a S&M2 hands-on preview.

[Erwin_Br]

Originally Posted by Stinger

Okay, who had 4 for the number of posts it would take Tamara to turn a serious site-related thread into a dirty mind joke?

- Evan

I'm surprised it didn't happen earlier.

I often wonder if all the girls on Malta are like her. Maybe they put something in the water there, or maybe it's the air... :eek:

--Erwin

[Intrepid Homoludens]

Originally Posted by Stinger

Okay, who had 4 for the number of posts it would take Tamara to turn a serious site-related thread into a dirty mind joke?

I've gotten so used to her doing this that I simply ignore such posts .

[Curt]

I think you should all leave Tamz alone. All she was doing was injecting her humour into the thread.

It's no crime and I found it funny. I'd suggest that you in particular, Stinger, get a sense of humour transplant and stop trying to belittle people for merely participating in their own way.

[Stinger]

And I think you should settle down and stop being so defensive. I would HARDLY call her post "participating" though. The reason we have the Chit-Chat forum is specifically so people can screw around however they want and allow others to have normal conversations.

I have no problem with people who want to participate in the actual conversation AND inject some of their unique humor into their post. But it's annoying when someone doesn't offer anything meaningful to what's being discussed.

But I'd certainly like to thank you for making this thread much more serious than it had to be.

[Curt]

Originally Posted by Stinger

But I'd certainly like to thank you for making this thread much more serious than it had to be.

Always a pleasure!

Look, you got me doing it now.

Can we now get back on topic please.

Hands on previews.................

[ragnar]

Originally Posted by Stinger

Doesn't that likely have more to do with you just not caring about Jack the Ripper? If I did a hands-on preview of Sam & Max 2 two hours after I had it in my hand, I don't think you find it "the least interesting." I mean, we DID review RHEM, after all.

Of course I am more interested in S&M2, than Jack the Ripper, but I find that the hands on previews deals much more with technical issues than story issue. This is quite naturally, since it can hard to tell if a story is good if you haven't played the full game.

And, I did say it was the least interesting thing on AG and since I think almost all of your articles are well worth reading, the hands on previews aren't that bad. It does what it is supposed to do I guess, but I am usually not in such a hurry, so I can wait for the actual review.

[Erwin_Br]

Originally Posted by Curt

I think you should all leave Tamz alone. All she was doing was injecting her humour into the thread.

It's no crime and I found it funny. I'd suggest that you in particular, Stinger, get a sense of humour transplant and stop trying to belittle people for merely participating in their own way.

Uh, I didn't mind her post. On the contrary. I hope my post didn't suggest that... I wouldn't like these forums so much without a witty/comical/off-topic post every now and then.

Sorry for ranting off-topic again, though.

On topic: I share Rag's opinion. I read both, but the reviews are more important in my eyes. Probably because you reviewers take more time to write these so the observations/opinions seem to be better backed-up. As long as the hands-on articles don't delay the reviews too much, I'd say keep up the good work! The writing is excellent, so that's something not to worry about.

--Erwin

[Tamara]

I've been making a point not to post much recently, I'll make a greater point in future, don't worry about it stinger. This place is not the homely site I used to know. would defend myself on the comment but I simply don't see the point.

[Curt]

Erwin, my comment wasn't aimed at you. I saw the tongue in cheek smilie.

Tamz, stick around. We love you and you'd be sorely missed, especially your sadistic humour.

Stinger ..................... never mind!

[D.C.]

One thing I would appreciate in the hands on previews (if you're allowed) is new screenshots. I don't think both the Jack the Ripper and Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon hands on previews had new screenshots.