Column

Christian Gilbert

Journalism

14 April 2014

An Uphill Battle

                To review a column example I choose a column from the Game Informer magazine by Matt Helgeson. He wrote his column on how the Xbox One has an uphill battle to reach the PS4 level. Its an opinion piece by the author which seems to embody the style of the writer. Matt begins his column by discussing the past success of the Xbox 360. He gives some information on the Xbox’s past with units sold and how it advanced past PS3. He gave important facts so that the reader could understand his topic.

                After he gives the information out, he shares how the current market leans toward the PS4 in most regions and is unlikely to change. He backs it with more information, which is nice, but not required for a column. He then moves into what he feels may start to catch Microsoft back up with Sony. First things he states is the Xbox One exclusive title Titanfall, which is living up to the hype. Helgeson believes that Titanfall may be able to bring the Xbox sales up. Along with building a superb shooter, which he calls the “bread-and-butter” of Xbox gamers, he also comments on an upcoming Halo game and securing the Gears of War franchise. Matt claims that with these titles, Xbox may have a shot to catch up to the already ahead PS4.

                Matt discusses why the Xbox had such a lead for the 360, being out a year before the more expensive PS3 was released, but this time around, Sony made sure to avoid those pitfalls. Sony and Microsoft both released their consoles at the same time, Sony actually being a week ahead and at lower price. Sony has secured the lead this time around and it seems to have paid off.

                Matt’s game plan for Microsoft is a price drop, improved software and much better marketing. Sony is leading in sales in all markets, even in North America which belonged to Xbox last generation. Helgeson believes that Microsoft can overtake Sony but not without a lot of work, not an easy task. Matt began the column with some information for the reader and then discussed how and why he believes Xbox is failing this time around. He then discusses how they should proceed if they wish to surpass their opponents in sales. All in all, it was not a perfect column but it does  give the author flare and thoughts and therefore is a passable example.

Review

Christian Gilbert

Journalism

30 March 2014

An Infinitely Good Review

                  The article I looked at for a review example comes from the popular GameInformer Magazine by writer Joe Juba. Joe writes his review on the critically acclaimed Bioshock Infinite from Irrational Games. The article begins with the title of the game with a clever tag underneath followed by a captivating in-game screenshot. The first paragraph begins with the general overview of the game synopsis with the writer own thoughts on how his life might be in parallel universes. In most cases, this incite would be unwarranted, but it is simply used as a means of naming the game one of the best in any other reality he can live.

                  After establishing the generality of the game and it’s well deserved praise, paragraph two delves a little more into the journey you undergo throughout the game. Juba creates a wonderful capturing of the feel of the world you inhabit and showcases the vivid, picturesque reality that envelops the player. His next segment reviews the themes dealt with in the game and how small occurrences or societal issues create a rich, life-like world. He also tells how masterfully the story, action, and narrative don’t clash, but thrive together to create one of the better story-driven games he’s ever seen.

                  He discusses the gameplay mechanics, which is another big point for any game review. Juba remarks about the creativity of the action and how the mechanics lend themselves to engaging gameplay and high variety of options to play with. There is a lot of positivity given to the tools and combat skills given to the player. He also gives accolades to the intelligent NPC partner players are accompanied by, saying “she is among the best AI companions I’ve ever had.” He finishes up the gameplay section discusses his appreciation for the games infamous 1999 difficulty setting, which really puts the best players to the test.

                  Juba finishes the review going over his favorite aspect of the game, which is the story. He has nothing but good words to say about the pacing, how the story pulls you in and makes you think. He calls Bioshock Infinite a game that will keep you going and reminds you that there are questions you need answers to. In the end, he gives credit to 2K Studios for not just rehashing ideas from their first game, but using both to create a story that will resonate through any fan of the Bioshock titles.