Welcome to the ha-ha-hacienda: Batman Arkham Asylum review

If we went back in time two years and tried to convince ourselves that in 2009 Palm would release a damn fine phone, people would be excited about a new Windows release, and Batman would star in a game-of-the-year contender, what do you think we would say to ourselves? We live in interesting times. <BR><BR><a href='http://meincmagazine.com/gaming/reviews/2009/08/welcome-to-the-ha-ha-hacienda-batman-arkham-asylum-review.ars'>Read the whole story</a>

 

[terrapin24h]

ok Ben, I'll give it a go...<BR> I played the demo, and while i thought it was visually stunning and the limited combat moves you learn were brutal, it somehow came off to me as just another 3rd person "punch n kick" title, and more or less a "pass". But you seem to be pretty adamant that it's more than that. I did think "detective mode" was campy. I'll see if i can pick it up soon and give it a shot. Heck, i'm playing iron man now and enjoying it, despite what i thought of the demo.<BR><BR>--chris

 

[Thanos_of_MW]

I am no fan of Batman (never been) liking more the "super" hero types. However, this game is great. I picked it up yesterday, and I hated it is a work day and had to put it down, so I can get some sleep and go to work the next day (technically, it was 12:30, so it was the next day )<BR><BR>I played the demo and liked it that's why I got the game. The game is so much more, so I agree... ChrisG doesn't know what he's talking about.

 

[LampEft]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by countcracula:<BR>Ben admitted that the demo was bad. See up there ^<BR> </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I must be one of the rare people that fully enjoyed the demo. Yes, it was definitely short, but I thought it was terrific fun and it sold me on getting the full game (so, it achieved its purpose, in my case). Really looking forward to playing this one.

 

[Mortus]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">See: verdict.<BR><BR>How much more enthusiastic does a review have to be to make you purchase a game?<BR>It's been said that it is running for the title game of the year. And come to think of it what release is to take it from Batman now that so many have been pushed to next year? I'd love to see Assassins Creed 2 have a go at it however. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>And I can understand that he was giving it a great review. I was asking more as someone who really doesn't play these styles of games. I'm wondering if it's worth investing in, and does it play well for it's genre. The last time I played any game of this type was Assassin's Creed, and was pretty disappointed after playing the first hour, so that left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[Mauller]

I can't wait to play this game tonight. I picked up my collectors edition last night but had company over. I will admit disappointment to the included plastic batarang that can't be removed from the display stand. <BR><BR>From the moment I played the demo, I knew that I had to have this game. The atmosphere, voice acting, story, and gameplay were all top notch and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the full version. I just wish that I had some knowledge of the Batman comics so that I could get a lot of the references to some of the jokes that you were talking about. I had no idea who Oracle was when I played the demo. Thankfully my friend was there to enlighten me, since she's one of her favorite characters. <BR><BR>Your review was very well written and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Your counter points to ChrisG were well conceived.

 

[GuitarAficionado]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ben Kuchera:<br>Just be aware that you know nothing about the game. Making these broad statements based on the demo in this case is like eating a spoonful of tomato paste and arguing that no one could possibly create a pizza you would enjoy, and of course pizza is just a ripoff of ketchup.<br> </div>
</blockquote>
<br>I'm not defending his comments on your review or saying this is the case, but do consider that others may also have the full version of the game. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --

 

[Demondeluxe]

Ya but if you go back over ChrisG's comments you will notice that he willingly admits that all he has done is played the demo.

 

[suryad]

Can we forget about ChrisG and move on to more talk about the game especially from those in the audience who have played the full version? <BR><BR>I am waiting for the PC version personally. Cant wait for it to get released!<BR><BR>The demo with everything maxed out @ 2560 x 1600 is just stunning! Love the little physx effects though it sucks its limited to only nvidia hardware. I personally think in the demo, the fog, smoke, smashed tiles, batarang damage on the walls, flying papers and junk when in combat makes it really really realistic. Its subtle but I do tend to notice it and get immersed more especially after seeing the console versions without all that.

 

[moswald]

So, uh, which system *should* I get it on? I've got a bangin' PC and a 360. I get less time to play PC games (the boy doesn't like it when daddy disappears into his mancave), but as long as the PC controls (and/or UI) aren't a tacked-on afterthought, I almost always prefer PC gaming.

 

[sandwhichSlayer]

I am on the "the demo has nothing on the full game" band wagon also

 

[monolith23]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mortus:<BR>And I can understand that he was giving it a great review. I was asking more as someone who really doesn't play these styles of games. I'm wondering if it's worth investing in, and does it play well for it's genre. The last time I played any game of this type was Assassin's Creed, and was pretty disappointed after playing the first hour, so that left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>It's fairly simple really. There are demos out for all systems.<BR>Play it and see if you dislike it for any other reason than that it is short. There you have your answer.<BR>Should you then still not be convinced that the full game can deliver what the demo only hints at then Ben's review should have made that leap of faith quite easy on you.<BR><BR>Edit:<BR>My preference is the PC version with a 360 controller.<BR>Best graphics.<BR>I can live with missing the Joker challenges. Only real drawback is that one's left biting fingernails for some more weeks.<BR><BR>BTW I share your opinion about Assassins Creed. That's why I mentioned it. I hope they really polish it this time. But what with the open world approach it can never be as intense as Arkham Asylum.<BR><BR><I>This comment was edited by monolith23 on August 26, 2009 15:16</I>

 

[Tundro Walker]

Was watching my roommate play this last night. The h2h combat seemed annoying as hell the way it would always slow-mo, matrix-style, before hits. Then there's the running around in the corridors, which is spiced up by the stupid chattering teeth bouncing around, giving you an excuse to toss batarangs. I do admit the "unseen predator" parts the reviewer talks about were pretty good. And the story part is pretty good. But the rest is just standard consolitis faire with a Batman paint-job on top.

 

[Dante G]

Like AlreadyDead said, there is a PC demo. Just google Batman AA PC Demo or something like that and you'll find it. I downloaded it when it became available and it ran quite nicely on my PC, considering that I don't have a great graphics card. In fact, when I was installing it, the system check was looking for a 128MB card or better, so the requirements aren't that high.<BR><BR>Now, for those discussing the difficulty of the demo, for crying out loud, it's the tutorial level of the game, what did you expect? <BR><BR>Anyway, I enjoyed the demo quite a lot and might buy it later when I catch a nice deal. I still got too many games waiting in my shelf for me to open them.

 

[(01)]

2 key moments:<BR><BR>Stalking the last 2 armed guards in a room for 5/10 minutes waiting for them to get into the right spots to drop down and snatch them.<BR><BR>Finding a room with photographs of Batman. When I looked at the pictures I though "Who the hell is stalking *me*?" Been a while since I became the character that much in a video game. <BR><BR>You're doing yourself a huge disservice if you miss this one.

 

[Greasy Breakfast]

"... and the island does not give up her secrets easily."<BR><BR>It's terribly archaic to use gender pronouns to describe objects, especially in journalistic writing.

 

[NDPTAL85]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Greasy Breakfast:<BR>"... and the island does not give up her secrets easily."<BR><BR>It's terribly archaic to use gender pronouns to describe objects, especially in journalistic writing. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR><BR>Archaic to who? Its long been common usage to refer to objects with gender pronouns. Cars, trains, battleships, starships....etc. <BR><BR>Oh and can you just get over journalistic standards already? The whole friggin medium is dying.

 

[serversurfer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Greasy Breakfast:<BR>It's terribly archaic to use gender pronouns to describe objects, especially in journalistic writing. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Balderdash.

 

[M4EOzzy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by terrapin24h:<BR>ok Ben, I'll give it a go...<BR> I played the demo, and while i thought it was visually stunning and the limited combat moves you learn were brutal, it somehow came off to me as just another 3rd person "punch n kick" title, and more or less a "pass". But you seem to be pretty adamant that it's more than that. I did think "detective mode" was campy. I'll see if i can pick it up soon and give it a shot. Heck, i'm playing iron man now and enjoying it, despite what i thought of the demo.<BR><BR>--chris </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>The aspect of detective mode that's kind of lame is you'll find traces of things, that you can then follow with detective mode on, it's not really interesting. Using the detective vision though I think is pretty cool<BR><BR>As far as looking at it as a 3rd person brawler, lemme lay this game situation out that I had last night...<BR><BR>I'm perched up on a gargoyle, watching all the enemies below, with my vision I notice a destructible wall, when no one is around I swoop down, spray on the explosive gel and take off back into the rafters. I see an inmate passing back and forth underneath a gargoyle, I swing to that one, hang upside down and pull him up, hanging him. After the guards leave after discovering him, I drop to the ground and spray another glob of explosive gel underneath his position. Back up on the rafters, I wait until one inmate is near the wall, target the gel, and blow it, taking him out...I then throw a batarang at the rope holding the hanging guard, dropping him to the ground, and gaining the attention of a inmate to runs over to check it out, as soon as he gets close, I target and blow the gel...I then target the last inmate from the rafter and glide down kicking him to the ground and knocking him out.<BR><BR>Could I have just thrown batarangs at each of them and ran over and knocked them out, yeah, maybe...but it was just AWESOME, doing the above.

 

[(01)]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Archaic to who? Its long been common usage to refer to objects with gender pronouns. Cars, trains, battleships, starships....etc. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Agree, though it is less common than it used to be. <BR><BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Oh and can you just get over journalistic standards already? The whole friggin medium is dying. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Couldn't disagree more. While the FORM of journalism is shifting away from paper/TV, the standards should be consistent. Unless you mean to say that online journalism shouldn't be impartial, use proper grammar and spelling and research stories to give correct, relevant information. Unless you want to see this title for an article: "W3lcome to teh LOL-LOL-LOLlercoaster: BAA Review."

 

[kennedye]

I just want a Nolan-film-based Lego Batman. -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif --

 

[vibedog]

Mark Hamill as the Joker? I was hoping we'd get to choose between Bush and Obama.

 

[Larry Flank]

The demo did exactly what it was supposed to do, give a small taste of the full game.<BR><BR>But I did know from the demo it had the potential to be awesome, and based on most reviews so far it sounds like it is.<BR><BR>People can compare this to Splinter Cell all they want, but in Splinter Cell are you the fucking Batman?<BR><BR>Trying to hold out for the pc version but very tempted to buy it for my xbox.

 

[Corporate_Goon]

I picked this up last night for $38 CDN (on release day? Nuts!) - haven't played it yet (tonight tonight tonight). I did enjoy the demo though so I'm pretty sure I'm going to love them game.<BR><BR>By the way, I have to commend ChrisG on a masterful troll job. Ben, your review has only made me more excited to play the game when I get home this afternoon.

 

[Ben Kuchera]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It's terribly archaic to use gender pronouns to describe objects, especially in journalistic writing. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I don't mind anachronisms, and this is a review.

 

[Straight-line]

Ben (or anyone who knows),<BR><BR>Does the full game have any blood? I'm not one for a lot of gore or anything like that, but I did feel a little let down when I finished off a guard with an elbow to the face and there was not even a little blood during the PC demo.

 

[M4EOzzy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Straight-line:<BR>Ben (or anyone who knows),<BR><BR>Does the full game have any blood? I'm not one for a lot of gore or anything like that, but I did feel a little let down when I finished off a guard with an elbow to the face and there was not even a little blood during the PC demo. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>It's teen rated, so while there are some character deaths, and a little language (bitch, etc.) I've yet to see any real amount of blood...

 

[Ben Kuchera]

Yeah, it's bloodless.

 

[serversurfer]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ben Kuchera:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It's terribly archaic to use gender pronouns to describe objects, especially in journalistic writing. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I don't mind anachronisms, and this is a review. </div>
</blockquote>
<br>You're not saying that reviews don't fall under the heading of "journalism," are you? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif --

 

[JabberWockey]

Dammit, after reading this thread I have decided to add the game to "next" on my gamefly queue. I hope it isn't just another platformer.

 

[cozmo911]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JediFonger:<BR><BR>re: the video game, what's the max res.? is this a direct x title? </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Eh?<BR><BR>On the Xbox 360, all games are "Direct X" titles since the 360's graphics APIs are based on D3D.<BR><BR>On the PS3, no games use Direct X since the PS3's graphics APIs are OpenGL based (I believe, CMIIW)<BR><BR>/ Yes, I just made up that acronym<BR>// Actually, pre-existing according to google<BR>/// Disregard

 

[Ben Kuchera]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
<br>You're not saying that reviews don't fall under the heading of "journalism," are you? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I'm surprised anyone would argue that they would. Criticism is, in simplest terms, a written opinion. It's read because it's assumed the opinion is informed.

 

[Greasy Breakfast]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ben Kuchera:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
<br>You're not saying that reviews don't fall under the heading of "journalism," are you? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I'm surprised anyone would argue that they would. Criticism is, in simplest terms, a written opinion. It's read because it's assumed the opinion is informed. </div>
</blockquote>
<br><br>I guess a review is a form of editorial column. The same standards of style apply to a review. I guess in the end this is a stylistic choice, and yours and your editors to make <br><br>I forgot to mention, thanks for the review. Because of it I will give this game a go.

 

[Ars of Ares]

I have never seen Ben in so much hot water from the commenters.<BR><BR>Kudos, by the way, for the MGS reference; Splinter Cell ain't got nothin' on Snake. Oh, and an even earlier stealther reference may be found in the Zelda games on the NES. Creeping up on the castle, anyone?<BR><BR>Great review. As if the screenshots and the demo weren't enough, this review has my games-purchase-related-OCD flaring wildly.

 

[AlreadyDead]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ars of Ares:<BR>I have never seen Ben in so much hot water from the commenters. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Really? You should go into the archives and read the responses to Ben's Review of the PS3! This thread is a love fest in comparison!

 

[Ars of Ares]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AlreadyDead:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ars of Ares:<BR>I have never seen Ben in so much hot water from the commenters. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>Really? You should go into the archives and read the responses to Ben's Review of the PS3! This thread is a love fest in comparison! </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>I've seen him in hot water, but I guess it's the minutiae for which he is being crticized that blows me away.

 

[JamesHulsmann]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MoistDinosaur:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RedGhost:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">All the flame wars over which system you should buy the game on, after a screenshot is posted showing a plant is a little blurrier in one version </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>So which system is the plant more blurrier on then? <BR><BR>Seriously though, I have no idea what system to buy this on. Since Futureshop up here has it on for $38.83 I will be picking it up tonight. Any ideas which one would be better? Or is it irrelevant. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>it was the 360 that had the blurrier plant when zoomed in. If you have both consoles (i don't think there is a PC demo). I recommend downloading the demo on both and seeing which controller setup feels most natural. For instance, I prefer the trigger function of the 360 controller to the god awful L2 and R2 design on the DS3, so I lean more towards the 360 for multi-platforms single player games. Of course the PS3 version has the joker playable... </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>are you sure? Most reviews I have read say the 360 version takes the grpahics edge, and its not a matter of opinion, and doesnt require an install... BUT, the ps3 gets the playable joker - there, your trade off!<BR><BR>Whatever, I will play on my PC at 1920 with ZERO jaggies - mwahahahahahaha, Im coming for your joker!!! (in several fucking weeks, GRRR)

 

[Staticstarter]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ben Kuchera:<BR>Just be aware that you know nothing about the game. Making these broad statements based on the demo in this case is like eating a spoonful of tomato paste and arguing that no one could possibly create a pizza you would enjoy, and of course pizza is just a ripoff of ketchup.<BR><BR>It's like you're walking into a conversation about bourbon only to say that bourbon is terrible because you had half a beer once and didn't like that, and besides, beer is just like brandy anyway. <BR><BR>Or imagine a bunch of your friends having a conversation about making love to a beautiful woman, and you argue that based on your feelings the one time the jets in the hot tub hit your privates, sex isn't much, really. Also, you kissed your sister once and it's probably just like that. <BR><BR>Or think if this were a conversation about steak, and your argument was that you saw a cow in a field once, so you know steak isn't very tasty. Also, you had some chicken years ago and it's probably just a ripoff of that. <BR><BR>I could go on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>ROFL<BR><BR>Ben pwnz0rs ChrisG

 

[bleeper]

Hurry up with the pc version already -- View image here: https://cdn.arstechnica.net/forum/smilies/biggrin_classic.gif --<br><br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
<br>Couldn't disagree more. While the FORM of journalism is shifting away from , the standards should be consistent. Unless you mean to say that online journalism shouldn't be impartial, use proper grammar and spelling and research stories to give correct, relevant information. </div>
</blockquote>
<br>Since when do TV/Paper journalism actually have standards? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif --

 

[JamesHulsmann]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Staticstarter:<BR><BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ben Kuchera:<BR>Just be aware that you know nothing about the game. Making these broad statements based on the demo in this case is like eating a spoonful of tomato paste and arguing that no one could possibly create a pizza you would enjoy, and of course pizza is just a ripoff of ketchup.<BR><BR>It's like you're walking into a conversation about bourbon only to say that bourbon is terrible because you had half a beer once and didn't like that, and besides, beer is just like brandy anyway. <BR><BR>Or imagine a bunch of your friends having a conversation about making love to a beautiful woman, and you argue that based on your feelings the one time the jets in the hot tub hit your privates, sex isn't much, really. Also, you kissed your sister once and it's probably just like that. <BR><BR>Or think if this were a conversation about steak, and your argument was that you saw a cow in a field once, so you know steak isn't very tasty. Also, you had some chicken years ago and it's probably just a ripoff of that. <BR><BR>I could go on. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>ROFL<BR><BR>Ben pwnz0rs ChrisG </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>If by OWNED, you mean stoops to the level of someone who at least knows a LITTEL about the game - not NOTHING - but is still faulty in basing their opinion on that little bit of info, then I guess yes.<BR><BR>Ide perfer it if ben just be quiet and leave small minds to thier uninformed opinions & decisions... After all, does he make money if there is another sale?<BR><BR>Anyway, thats what I perfer, Im sure he does not and... blah blah blah<BR><BR>===============<BR><BR>Why am I waiting till the 15th? See, I told you MS cant be blamed for being the cheif fucker-overer (just roll with that grammar) - the publishers and developers themselves can do fine all on their own.

 

[serversurfer]

<blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ben Kuchera:<br><blockquote class="ip-ubbcode-quote">
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div>
<div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">You're not saying that reviews don't fall under the heading of "journalism," are you? -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif -- </div>
</blockquote>
<br>I'm surprised anyone would argue that they would. Criticism is, in simplest terms, a written opinion. It's read because it's assumed the opinion is informed. </div>
</blockquote>
<br>No, a review is a formal, critical inspection of a work, not just "some dude's opinion." Similarly, criticism is the act or art of analyzing and evaluating or judging the quality of a work. It should be more than "Hey, guys, wanna hear what I think?"<br><br>That said, I have no issues with "the island giving up her secrets" or whatever, but hearing, "Besides, it's just a review," gives me pause. Hell, if a review is nothing more than someone's opinion, ChrisG's comments were "just a review" as well and should be considered just as valid as yours. However, I don't think anyone here other than ChrisG would agree with that. If you're going to hold it to some kind of standard of accuracy, thoroughness, impartiality, etc., then that's "journalism." -- View image here: http://episteme.meincmagazine.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif --