Ratchet and Clank Team rips on Aaron Thomas (gamespot) Review

In the latest fullmoon show from insomniac games, a couple of the crew discuss some reviews of the game. The crew are appreciative of the reviews after checking metacritic and gamerankings. They state that out of 21 scores, only 4 are below 90 with 3 perfect scores. They were concerned about critics to the "returning to roots" approach to the game, but people have received it very well.

One of the reviews had sticked out to them which prompted the crew to say "If you hate variety, than you've got a problem.", "play more sports games", and "we will not mention the media outlet".

After the discussion with their mystery guest, they speak to Ross Macintosh . The crew discusses their "gamespot resistance: fall of man tournament." Ross quickly reminded the rest of the crew that the tournament is now called "the resistance: fall of man tournament with the website whose name we shall no longer mention" in a jokingly manner.

[gamesblow]

I listened to it earlier and they were insinuating more than anything. They didn't come out and out say the POON DARTS name or even the sites, but we all know what they were talking about. More so when one of the guys was like "Go review more sports games" "ahhahaha.... Loved it!

[Kururo]

and out of all the reviews on metacritic and gamerankings there is only one review that thinks negatively about the variety in the gameplay.

[xhi4]

why bother with gamespot and 1up, I only like 1up's show. And Gamespot's Jeff is the only non-biased reviewer, but he didn't reply to my email. So i'm kind of pissed, but what can you do, it's gamespot.

I mean what could they have replied saying? Umm yeah that's all true but, we stick by Aeron, because well, yeah. lol

[BrianC6234]

I say the next R&C game should have lots of sports mini games in it. Maybe that will get them a perfect score from you know who.

[gaffyh]

Although this guy totally deserves to be ripped, I would have hoped that Insomniac would have shown a little more class and talked about this issue more professionally :( .Oh well :)

[Proxy]

only proves their accusations are acurate.

They more or less say one unnamed review said the variety was a bad thing and everyone imediately thinks of GameSpot. Had GameSpot said no such thing, it wouldnt' happen that way.

[Bubble Buddy]

The fool who reviewed ratchet in Gamespot, should go lose some weight and play wii sports (Y)

[LSDARBY]

Gamespot just fails, its a chavy, tacky, biased site. That needs to stop taking the green.

[Leg-End]

absolute chav! yanks won't know wtf ur talkin bout lol

[dantesparda]

you can say that again ;-)

But I guess it translate in to "d!ckheads"

[C_SoL]

...damn fat a$$hole....go review some sport games instead of hatin on R&C.

[WisinYandel]

Burn that guy... BURN HIM!!! :P

[IdontTakeSides]

"go review some sport games instead'..lol..fat turd...

i say the next time gamespot reviews an insomniac game which will be RFOM:2...it will be a perfect 10...LOL...well it will be ne ways...

[blacsheep]

a SPOT on the face of gaming that is so annoying it continues to ooze puss( the puss is biased reviews coz they prefer microsoft & are they owned by microsoft? not sure answers on a postcard!) and its stubborness to go away no matter how much or hard we squeeze! and there you have it a stubborn GAMESPOT!

[Zhuk]

not everyone is gonna like your game as much as other people, you gotta be mature about it. Personally I think R&C is worth a 9 as it is a good game.

Major Nelson as a guest was great!

[Armyless]

I need to take a screen cap of this.

[BrianC6234]

How about at least giving a big game to a reviewer who likes the genre? I want to know, does Aaron Thomas even like platformers? Most of his good reviews are sports games. Gamespot says on their site they won't give a sports game to a reviewer who doesn't at least like sports games. You want the opinion of someone who at least likes the genre to begin with. Gamespot just doesn't seem to care about their reputation. It isn't aaronthomas.com, it's gamespot.com. Gamers don't go to the site to get Aaron's opinion. They want a professional opinion.

At least I learned one thing about them though. Now I'll ignore Aaron's reviews unless it's a sports game.

[Proxy]

I don't play sports game, and if someone had me review one I'd probably be way off.

I might give it to high a score even, probably because throwing a football is a fresh break from shooting aliens. LOL, or some other irrelevant comparison.

[Big Jim]

Its good to see the PS3 get R&C, it looks like a good game for kids. The PS3 needs some games for children so that it can compete with the Wii, which has so many games for children. Hopefully R&C will convince more parents to buy a PS3 for their infants.

[xhi4]

i'm 21 and I absolutely love R&C, I mean yeah it'll obviously be a favourite of a kid, I mean when I was a kid I loved R&C and Spyro and crap. But theres so much depth to this game, it's so accesible and just plain mad fun! I mean seriously, when you play it you feel like you're in an interactive (i hate out this is being used so lightly, but it's so appropriate) pixar movie, the Insomniac team has done a really great job on this one! cheers to them!

[boodybandit]

I love it when I hear a video game described as a kids game. Almost every game made can be called a kids game since they end up playing them anyway. There are probably more kids online playing Halo 3 (M rated) than "adults".

R&C isn't about age. It's about playing one of the very besy action adventure platforming franchises ever made. This non kid played it for 30 hours accomplishing everything the game had to offer. The most fun I have had this gen and I own both the PS3 and 360.

[mithril]

i think schopenhauer say for kids too.
i'm parents with 12 years old girl and more game like R&C is good and is a factor for buying game console. my girl don't play game like The darkness, UT, .... parents with 10, 9 or 8 years old child's too.

and for kid's it's good to say at his parents, look R&C the beautiful game. And parents buy PS3, and after child buy UT, The Darkness, and all hardcore games ;)

[Ju]

I agreed to your argument (because I can read comments with an insult filter now).. Yes, the PS3 needs kids friendly games, because the hard core crowd is not big enough to sell 120Mio machines. My son BTW beat the game before me - but I am more of an explorer and haven't got all gold bolds, yet. I could play that dinosaur level for 2 hours just to get to every spot. Funny, hah, a game which a 9 year old and a 37 year old can enjoy in the same way. Quite an achievement.

[Hapimeses]

Yeah, if I was them, I'd be a little bitter about the Gamespot review. Now the wider picture can be seen regarding R&C's reviews, that review really does look like an anomoly rather than the trend that I read many people were trying to claim it would turn out to be.

Interesting podcast, though -- nice to get a few insider insights. Thanks for posting it Kururo.

:D

[tankxtoke]

but seriously, i've never played a R&C game before ToD and it's pretty sweet. it's badass that there is so much sh*t you can do. that guy can suck a fatty c*ck and all of you can too.

/flameoff

n4g.com says:

Your comments contains 3 words that are not allowed
The word is not allowed: sh*t
The word is not allowed: sh*t
The word is not allowed: c0ck

[Prismo_Fillusion]

I think the whole Gamespot thing was stupid - it was just one review and who says the reviewer knows more about games than we do anyway?

But if I spent years making a game, and some idiot reviewer gave a bullsh*t excuse for deducting points, I might say something about it too.

Ah well, the sooner this stops getting discussed the better. We all know R@C is an awesome game. I can't wait to see what Gamespot says about MG's variety in two weeks though...

[happyjimmy]

They deserve all the crap they are getting for that biased review. Rating it dowm for "too much variety". If thats the case then why didnt they rate Oblivion a .1/10? They think we are stupid or something when they say somethng like that? We know when to spot BS.

EDIT Lol that must have been panzerfrost.

[KidMakeshift]

The game is not perfect. It's 12 hours of doing the same thing over and over just like the previous installments. Don't get me wrong, it is fun. I even bought it of gamefly for $45. I just really don't believe it's a 9+ game, sorry. Plus, I think "Up Your Arsenal" is a much better game that uses almost all of the same gimmicks as this one.

[nix]

LOL! that was the best one!

what was the site name, by the way? LOL! q:

[Vojkan]

They were just joking, like part when they mentioned RFOM tournament on gamespot.

[nix]

everyone knows the game simply rocks!

GS hide. Hide and never show your face again! q:

[kenjix]

It's about time someone called out these reviewers, they make absolutely no sense.

[ShiftyLookingCow]

no doubt, Gamespot had the wrong guy reviewing Ratchet & Clank. Just take a peek at metacritic, it stands out ugly

[Meus Renaissance]

Cool to have him there. It was a funny part of the interview, especially with the 5 Quick Questions.

[Kururo]

doesn't believe that none of his 5 360's have red ringed on him.

[Meus Renaissance]

Well they picked up on that and said "you probably switch between all 5" hence not one console gets played continuously and thus heating doesn't become an issue. But I thought that question was quite rude to be honest. Major didn't sound too happy about that - a little stung.

Cheeky Insomniac; did anyone else get the impression they blew him off when he said "if you ever wanna develop a game for our platform.."? No?

[Ravenator529]

Now, I don't have a PS3 or have had a chance to sit down and acutally play R&C.

But Gamespot reviews are becoming quite "confusing". It seems as if they are either trying too hard to be different or are just being too hard on the game itself.

But the R&C review is by far the most "lopsided" review when you compare it to other reviews. It almost makes you wonder if Gamespot was playing the same game as everyone else?

Something isn't right when a game is getting 9's and above on just about every review site and then all of a sudden Gamespot comes in a gives the game a 7.5? WTF?

Maybe someone who enjoys platform gaming should have done the review?

But the one thing that I don't agree with is when a developer openly criticize's a review. David Jaffe has done this plenty of times in the past and it makes him look like a whiny crybaby.

Although in this instance, I don't really hold it against them. It's a pretty outrageous score when compared to every single other review that's out there.

[apoc06]

critics are not immune to criticism themselves.

if you are a critic you should be able to back up your points and overall critique. even at this point, no one feels as though the review has been properly questioned for its validity.

everything should have its checks and balances. if a critic can just randomly assign a numerical score to something without being able to respond or back up his reasons for doing so, scores and reviews would lose their meaning.

[gamesblow]

To me it seemed pretty open. I dunno... I know they have strong, strong ties with Sony... maybe their best partner to date, but it seemed like if enough was involved, they might go. That's kind of off putting to me. Ted Price wouldn't sell out, I'd hope... but ya never know. I hope Insomniac stays with Sony, myself. They're the reason I stick with Sony. Well, Naughtydog and Insomniac. I'd hate to see them two teams deviate away.

[sajj316]

Refuse to give this unmentioned website any hits.

Also, regarding metacritic, I'm wondering if its best to throw out the highest and lowest scores. Its usually the rogue low scores that kill its total metacritic score.

[Salvadore]

Not everybody will enjoy the game, but don't mind what Gamespot is saying about the game since, I has received great scores.

[Salvadore]

Not everybody will enjoy the game, but don't mind what Gamespot is saying about the game since, I has received great scores.

[Doppy]

I think they're just ignorant. If you notice they don't rate ANY games high unless it's a shooter, sports games, and sometimes racing game. I think that's all they like to play, therefore, they don't know how to rate any other genre of games without giving them a mediocre score, and searching for every minor fault so they can give an explanation for their ignorance. Just my opinion.

Or maybe they wanted online multiplayer like Resistance? Dum Dum Dum...

[Enigma_2099]

Blame the reviewer, not the site.

This is not a contradiction to your statement... I am agreeing with you.

[mirroredderorrim]

I think too many people are relying on multiplayer as it is. I mean, come the F on. Why deduct anything from a game if it dosn't have multiplayer? I'm not a big fan of multiplayer games unless the game is largely based around the concept.

As for people complaining about Insomniac RESPONDING to the negative review, Why don't you learn to code for the cell and shut everyone up? Till then, shut up yourselves.

[THE_JUDGE]

if I made a good game and everyone said it was good then someone was just like, its meh, I be hella pissed!

[Almighty]

Pathetic. Face it, this is a B game ignorant PStards.
By the way, this sh1t got a 6/10 from GamesTM, and it's going to drop the average ratio of the game so hard, that is gonna be epic to see all the reactions of the n00bs PS fans.

[Enigma_2099]

It has even LESS variety than this game. But it's still good, isn't it... so's Ratchet and Clank Future.

And the fact that you're spewing bile while wearing the face of a man making a PS3 exclusive that apparently you want to play is just class, all the way.

No, I'm not gonna bash your game... I won't stoop that low. And it is a good game. Any game that lets me tear up turrents for do-it-yourself gatling guns is pure "joy." But you do need to STFU, because you know not what you say.

[MIAMIFROST]

not ALLmighty so get it straight. Your pathetic. Everytime I see a post from you , your PS3 bashing. People like you are bad for gaming. Gaming is about having fun , and all you care about is what stupid comment you can post. Just go play Halo and get a haircut , you look ridiculous. You look like an an Asian Zoolander.

[chrisin3]

You should spend less time trying to tarnish ratchet and clank, and more time searching for a life. It's just a suggestion man.

By the way, having more than one account is not allowed. Most people only need one account because people can actually stand to read their posts. You're an exception.

[Enigma_2099]

... personally, it's not the score that bothers me, it's the reason behind it. TOO MUCH variety? Isn't this what got every GTA game since GTA III a 9 from them? As well as editor's choice?

[Lionsguard]

It wasn't the score that pissed me off but the way he got the score. There were more positives than negatives and his negatives were all nitpicked and unreasonable. TOO MUCH VARIETY?? But then it hit me, he's a sports reviewer of course he's going to hate variety, he likes to play the same damn style of game year after year.

[unlimited]

I dont trust gamespot at all with their reviews...as for 1up they try not to be bias..but you can see right through it...most of them working there is hardcore 360 fanboy.. the only time they will give great score for the ps3 is when it totally rocks and they have no choice to give it a high score..

Uncharted will get high scores on gamespot and 1up..if it low score you know whats up already..it be just be total bs..this be the last time anyone would mention any of their review..accept for xbots but they know better then anyone that they are full of crap..

[Leg-End]

its actually good, not like the 1up podcast - a bunch of geeks talkin bout bull

[PimpHandHappy]

go play sports games

[Leg-End]

on itunes

[Relientk77]

the website whose name we shall no longer mention is BIASED

[Adamalicious]

Oh SNAP!

[kornbeaner]

All they do by doing this is give hits to a website, so they can see the review and send e-mails to the "reviewer" who gave it a bad score.

At the end I don't care if they gave it a 6. The game is awesome and a true milestone in PS3 development. I usally read the reviews from IGN.com or Gameinformer Magazine and even they manage to get it "Wrong" sometimes. Rent the game, if you like it buy if you don't send it back. Reviewer are the same as most of us, gamers some biased some not who give their opinion on what makes this game good or bad, but they get paid. Play the games you want and at the end you win and when you spend $60 a pop per game thats all that matters.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

PC/FANS 360/FANS PS3/FANS WII/FANS MOBILE/PORTABLE/FANS all of you STFU not everyone is going to like your f**king work

[SlappyMcTaint]

...Despite all the flaws listed in each review (more flaws than R&C), which were always conveniently forgiven.

'Splain that

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Who the f**k said anything about Halo?

[SofaKingReetodded]

this is the second xbot on this thread to suddenly have an attack of terretz syndrome. Devs being more vocal punches a big hole in their PS3 hater pleasure cruise.

[SlappyMcTaint]

is the same guy who reviewed Heavenly Sword.

90% of all his other reviews are for sports games...

HMMM...

[XxZxX]

we shall not visit "the website whose name we shall no longer mention"

[Nightwing12]

lol

[0LDSCH00L]

Your all suckholes!!! whaaaaaaaaa!!! get over it!!!

[WilliamRLBaker]

BURN THEM STONE THEM! (insert reason here)

1.Biased
2.Paid off by M$ 1337
3. they are stupid

*cries* wheres my ba ba! *cries* wahhh wahhh my rattle why did they give it a low score, it couldn't be that they didn't like the game, that it was basically every other ratchet and clank game but with upgraded graphics how could they not love that? why do we only care about one review? wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[m9105826]

Kinda reminds me of that Halo 3 game. It was just like the other Halo games with better graphics. I played it for the first time the other night (Halo 3). Yes, ripping up a turret is fun. Physics are great. It does not deserve a 10.

[jmac53]

It is sad that the only argument that sony fanboys can muster is that Microsoft must have paid them off to give a PS3 game a bad review (you guys have been getting a lot of those lately). Dont hate on a guy because he had the balls to not ride on the fanboy hype-train.

[bootsielon]

Microsoft doesn't need to pay every Media outlet. So I agree, There are fanboys out there that can lack integrity to make a fair review of a great game by consensus.

[segasage]

the only ones that whine about reviews?

As a dev i would not even say a word if the game speaks for itself..

you Ps3 devs are just like your Fanboy counterparts..

Whine Whine whine, as if everyone is suppose to like your kiddie game.

nonesense this game got high reviews leave it at that..how wold are these devs.

[m9105826]

Okay then, you work on a wonderful piece of art for a few years straight, then have someone tell you it's mediocre at best. Game developers aren't iron-willed Gods who can absorb criticism like a black hole. They're people.

[cmrbe]

The worst part about is GameSpot was totally unreasonable with why they gave it a low score. Too much varitey?. What the fvck is that?.

[segasage]

every developer wants great scores , hey even Lair devs....too bad

just like Halo 3 scored werent all perfect but did it matter?

the game spoke for itself, I have not seen bugie coming out with hurt feelings because of one or two scores..

[m9105826]

Mostly because the places that gave weird scores to Halo weren't big-name sites like Gamespot. Transversely, I don't expect R&C devs to care what GamesTM thinks giving it a 6/10.

[cmrbe]

After delivering yet again. A dev would expect a reasonable level of criticism of their games but Gamspot when out of their way to find the most ridiculous reason to not award it a reasonable score. Remember people. This is Gamespot. Highly regarded as IGN. What they say will have an impact on the commercial success of a game.

[skagrerrrr]

magnanimous in victory

[cmrbe]

If you work your ass off to deliver the best platformer to date and then have one of the biggest reviewer mark down your labor of love for some really stupid reasons which will have an impact on sales.

[Wii60_FTW]

gamespot had an honest opinion. deal with it, FANBOYS!!! LMFAOOOOOOO!!!!

[cmrbe]

They have been honest but you can't deny that they have been totally unreasonable.

[Ares84]

..I have finished the game twice and had lot's of fun douing so and I'm at it the third time. It's a great game and it makes me play it over and over again!!!

PS: Does anyone know how to get the pice of the "secret weapon's plan" on the stage where you deffeat the Pirate Captain??? That stage has the last pice that I'm missing from the plan and I'm going nuts but cant find it!

[jackdoe]

It does sound pretty funny. But in the sea of 8.5s and up, a 7.5 really does stick out like a sore thumb.

[eleaz14]

Im preparing myself for the 6.5 that Gamespot will give to Uncharted

[Ares84]

Aaron Thomas! Just watch!!

[Grinchy]

Yea I can see it now:

graphics too good
audio too crisp
controls too tight
story too original
no aliens

6.5