TOM 002
07-05-2003, 09:22 PM
http://ChristianAnswers.Net/spotlight/games/
I actually found this site by chance when I was looking for game reviews. Yes, it is a Christian website, but I found it surprising how intelligently this particular reviewer decided to analyze the games. Unlike most other Christian review sites (i.e. CAPALERT. Imagine them writing game reviews. *shudders*), this one actually takes in the gaming aspect of various video games AND the Christian aspect as well, instead of trying to find an excuse to condemn it. From what I can tell, this reviewer is a gamer himself and loves to play video games as much as any of us. That's what makes the difference between him and another reviewer that has the mindset that "video games are the DEVIL!"
Granted though, you will not agree with what he says at first. I was a tad steamed when FFX was given a 3/5. But when I read the entire review, I have to give him credit for presenting an argument thoroughly and intelligently rather than preaching on a soapbox.
This brings me up to another point: how can Christian review sites properly review games? Is it even possible? Too many a time have I seen a site that bashes a game for petty things because of little details:
"FINAL FANTASY USES MAGIC! HOW SACRELIGIOUS!"
"YOU CAN'T HAVE A DEVIL AS A GOOD GUY! EVIL!!!!!!"
"YOU'RE HARMING INNOCENT MUSHROOM THINGS! THIS GAME INDUCES VIOLENCE!!!!!"
Sure, with some games such arguments are valid, although a tad unrealistic. It's not like I'm actually gonna pick up an Uzi and shoot up half of Miami because of Vice City. And there's no way I'd ever go into a fighting tournement myself just because I play a lot of Tekken. Point aside, how would you suggest to such reviews to give games a fair review? What should they do to avoid sounding like a close-minded tightwad preacher? I leave this all up to you.
I actually found this site by chance when I was looking for game reviews. Yes, it is a Christian website, but I found it surprising how intelligently this particular reviewer decided to analyze the games. Unlike most other Christian review sites (i.e. CAPALERT. Imagine them writing game reviews. *shudders*), this one actually takes in the gaming aspect of various video games AND the Christian aspect as well, instead of trying to find an excuse to condemn it. From what I can tell, this reviewer is a gamer himself and loves to play video games as much as any of us. That's what makes the difference between him and another reviewer that has the mindset that "video games are the DEVIL!"
Granted though, you will not agree with what he says at first. I was a tad steamed when FFX was given a 3/5. But when I read the entire review, I have to give him credit for presenting an argument thoroughly and intelligently rather than preaching on a soapbox.
This brings me up to another point: how can Christian review sites properly review games? Is it even possible? Too many a time have I seen a site that bashes a game for petty things because of little details:
"FINAL FANTASY USES MAGIC! HOW SACRELIGIOUS!"
"YOU CAN'T HAVE A DEVIL AS A GOOD GUY! EVIL!!!!!!"
"YOU'RE HARMING INNOCENT MUSHROOM THINGS! THIS GAME INDUCES VIOLENCE!!!!!"
Sure, with some games such arguments are valid, although a tad unrealistic. It's not like I'm actually gonna pick up an Uzi and shoot up half of Miami because of Vice City. And there's no way I'd ever go into a fighting tournement myself just because I play a lot of Tekken. Point aside, how would you suggest to such reviews to give games a fair review? What should they do to avoid sounding like a close-minded tightwad preacher? I leave this all up to you.