Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk?

I've been writing a screenplay for enjoyment and playing a lot of Yume Nikki recently, so I would have to say the past several days have had a theme of introspection. From my last entry I think I made it clear that I was a fan of American McGee's Alice, but I had been skeptical enough to avoid getting hyped about the sequel before launch to the point where I largely avoided any news or updates about it. You see, I'm quite the cynic when it comes to video games, especially in regards to series that I care a lot about. I never fangush about anything anymore, and that's really because I've just been disappointed so many times. So, generally I try and avoid games that I think will cause me to react in an overly subjective manner until I've actually played them.

Anyway to the point...

In my last entry, I promised a review, which I plan to deliver, but I thought I should go ahead and say a few things first. Typically, me reviewing a game around it's release date is a rare occurrence. This is mainly because games are way too expensive for my broke college student self when they first come out, and it's rare that I can make the investment right away. But also because I have this ethical perception of how games should be reviewed when they are new versus when they've been available for a few weeks or so. I believe anyone who calls himself a video game reviewer has the duty to review a game as objectively as possible when it's just been released, mostly because reviews have the ability to persuade gamers to spend money on a game or not, thus increasing or hindering the sales.

My review style is somewhat unique and basically revolves around subjectivity entirely. I discuss little about whether a game is "good" in the traditional since, and focus on the artistic merits instead, which is why I feel very self-conscious about reviewing a recently released game. So know that in rare situations such as this, if I do review a game so close to it's release, I will most likely stick to the same formula of the "challenge as a support for the experience". However, due to my self-implemented ethical policy, I will remain as objective as I possibly can be, while retaining my own style and voice.

So that said, stay tuned for a review of Alice: Madness Returns...