Video Game Criticism
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Criticism.
Latest coverage
Yahtzee is still out there being mean about videogames, and good for him
This article discusses Yahtzee Croshaw's continued work in videogame criticism through his YouTube series, Fully Ramblomatic. It highlights his particular brand of witty, often negative, commentary as a sign of deep care for the medium, noting how his well-observed praise for games like South Park: The Stick of Truth stands out amidst his critiques.
Wolverine dev is ‘cooking hard’ on fixes after viral fart gas complaints
Insomniac Games has acknowledged player feedback regarding the 'fart gas' scent trail mechanic in its new Wolverine game for PlayStation 5. Community director James Stevenson stated the team is actively working on refinements, though specific updates are not yet detailed. The game has received a lukewarm critical reception, with some players and critics finding the scent trail obtrusive.
Marvel’s Wolverine Studio is “Pretty Used” to Backlash, Director Says: “It Comes With the Territory”
Insomniac Games director Mike Daly stated that the studio is accustomed to backlash following game releases, viewing it as a sign of a passionate fanbase. He emphasized that the primary goal for Marvel's Wolverine is to create the best possible experience for the character, rather than catering to potential criticisms. The game is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5, and while the disc will contain a playable version, a day-one patch for polish and bug fixes is recommended.
Game and Mod Development
Unity announced that Unity 7 will launch in Q1 2027, and that this new engine is a direct continuation of Unity 6. The article also touches on what developers can learn from the current generation of game criticism.
What developers can learn from this generation of game criticism
This article analyzes the impact of video essays and online game criticism on game developers, contrasting it with traditional reviews and playtesting. While direct, actionable advice is rare, developers find inspiration and insight from creators like Mark Brown, Noah Caldwell-Gervais, and Jacob Geller, influencing their design philosophies and understanding of player experience.
"I feel totally unbothered" - Deborah Ann Woll doesn't care about the trolls taking shots at God Of War Laufey
Actress Deborah Ann Woll remains unbothered by negative online criticism directed at the upcoming game God of War Laufey and her portrayal of the character. Despite some misogynistic comments focusing on her appearance and the in-game model, Woll stated she is not offended because she knows the game is great. The article also briefly mentions the game's potential 2027 release and the upcoming God of War TV series.
These are the worst Nintendo games ever released
This article ranks some of Nintendo's worst-released games, excluding CD-i titles. Games like Paper Mario: Sticker Star, Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast, and Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash are criticized for baffling design choices, shallow gameplay, and lack of content, with Everybody 1-2 Switch being called Nintendo's weakest Switch title.
Mixtape is garbage, Don’t Listen to IGN!
The author strongly criticizes the game Mixtape, calling it 'garbage' and urging readers not to trust positive reviews from outlets like IGN. Despite being available on Xbox Game Pass, the author found the game unplayable after only five minutes due to poor dialogue, writing, and perceived inauthenticity. The article also touches on the author's website and future plans.
The Sunday Papers
This article discusses various gaming and cultural topics, including a playable board game adaptation of Inscryption, the rise of wealthy individuals commissioning orchestras, and the impact of licensed crossover cards on Magic: The Gathering. It also touches on the narrative themes in Marathon, the decline of video game criticism at The A.V. Club, and a humorous comparison of Peter Molyneux to Beyonce.
