What is Giant Bomb's most controversial review?

@Napalm said:

@Icemael said:

@Napalm said:

Jeff's BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger and King Of Fighters XII review, because all of the runoff of the insufferable fanboys who couldn't get enough bitching for the BBCT score, decided to muck up the KOFXII review by complaining it also got a three/five stars. And who cares about BlazBlue now? Absolutely nobody.

Uh... what? BlazBlue is quite popular amongst fighting game players.

No it isn't. It wasn't at Evolution 2012 because of an embarrassingly low player turnout.

Not all fighting game players are pro players (obviously you know that). There are plenty who will still enjoy it for its terribly convoluted, dumb and crazy anime plot and characters. These people will not necessarily show up at a pro fighting game tournament but still care about and purchase new titles.

Diablo 3 had a pretty bad reception.

@Icemael said:

@Napalm said:

Jeff's BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger and King Of Fighters XII review, because all of the runoff of the insufferable fanboys who couldn't get enough bitching for the BBCT score, decided to muck up the KOFXII review by complaining it also got a three/five stars. And who cares about BlazBlue now? Absolutely nobody.

Uh... what? BlazBlue is quite popular amongst fighting game players.

No it isn't. It wasn't at Evolution 2012 because of an embarrassingly low player turnout.

Mario Kart Wii, I mean only 3 stars COME ON!

The only review that comes to mind is the Catherine review

Lost Planet 2 is pretty infamous, but I think it's more because it led to the dissolution of the Wii Defense Force than anything else. Probably Blazblue or Catherine, just as everyone has said. I dunno, if we want to talk about semi-controversy, some people still seem baffled that Patrick gave Dragon's Dogma 3 stars despite being quite positive towards it.

Five stars for MK vs. DCU. It didn't cause as big a shit-storm as some others, but damn. Jeff was asking for it on that one.

I'm guessing Mass Effect 3 only getting four stars probably got some heat. I didn't read the comments, though.

Oh god, why did you guys have to go remind me of the Lost Planet 2 debacle. Bleh...

I'm not sure, but man, remembering all the people bitching over these reviews is just depressing.

Comparing review scores is dumb. I acknowledge that as a responsible human being. That said...Soul Calibur IV got three stars from Jeff and a few months later MK vs. DC got 5 stars. I wasn't too happy about that back in the day - loved me the shit out of SCIV, and I never liked MK and a crossover with comic book characters held zero appeal for me.

Personal answer, I know. Hard to argue with Catherine and Lost Planet 2. Wasn't there also a Wii review that got Nintendo fans up in arms, leading to a number of bans?

just the one I personally disagree with the most: the Syndicate review. That game was buggy, short, boring. That game's multiplayer became impossible to play at some point due to freezing on every auto save (which it did all the time especially in multiplayer). The multiplayer also even without having broken on me was forgettable as was the gameplay in general and I don't see how one could see it as a good value at all after the first crap run through the levels you really want to grind them again? I understand why jeff liked the game I suppose I just think he lost perspective on his whole "reviews should help people make buying decisions" thing, syndicate is the one review that has left me most unhappy with giantbomb's service in that regard. I actually only heard about and only bought syndicate because of that review and I have to say it was a major waste of 60$.

@MAN_FLANNEL said:

But Catherine sucks...

This seriously.

I bought (and really enjoyed) Catherine because of Jeff's 2-star review.

Patrick's Skyward Sword review. The comments got pretty... heated.

@Barrabas said:

@Napalm said:

Jeff's BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger and King Of Fighters XII review, because all of the runoff of the insufferable fanboys who couldn't get enough bitching for the BBCT score, decided to muck up the KOFXII review by complaining it also got a three/five stars. And who cares about BlazBlue now? Absolutely nobody.

I do. I love that game. In fact I'd put its sequel down as one of the top 3 fighting games this generation (along with SSFIV and MK9). KoF XII was super bad though. People saying otherwise are crazy.

Anyway, I never really understood why people get so incensed over bad review scores for games/series they like. It shouldn't impact your enjoyment of the game at all. It's never bothered me when a reviewer didn't like a game that I enjoyed.

Same here. I bought Catherine after hearing how much Jeff disliked it and I loved it. I can admit, it's flaws for sure but it certainly was an enjoyable experience for me.

@RandyF said:

I'm guessing Mass Effect 3 only getting four stars probably got some heat. I didn't read the comments, though.

Nah, it was probably the opposite. People could not shut up about how terrible that game was for about 2 months. I felt it was a disappointment but man, didn't complain about it for 2 months.

@Barrabas said:

@Napalm said:

Jeff's BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger and King Of Fighters XII review, because all of the runoff of the insufferable fanboys who couldn't get enough bitching for the BBCT score, decided to muck up the KOFXII review by complaining it also got a three/five stars. And who cares about BlazBlue now? Absolutely nobody.

I do. I love that game. In fact I'd put its sequel down as one of the top 3 fighting games this generation (along with SSFIV and MK9). KoF XII was super bad though. People saying otherwise are crazy.

Anyway, I never really understood why people get so incensed over bad review scores for games/series they like. It shouldn't impact your enjoyment of the game at all. It's never bothered me when a reviewer didn't like a game that I enjoyed.

What i don't understand is why people read/watch reviews of games they already own.

I can't really say, I generally don't let one person's opinion on a game bother me. I'm more disappointed when they won't even finish a game and give it a proper review- like Brad with FFXIII-2 (though I guess we all know how that would've turned out, anyway).

Catherine got 2 out 5... Oh okay it's official the Resident Evil 6 review is now irrelevant.

The syndicate one comes to mind to me. Negative scores tend to get the most press, but it did stand out apart from most of the rest of the... critical consensus?.... I guess..

@jayjonesjunior said:

@Barrabas said:

@Napalm said:

Jeff's BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger and King Of Fighters XII review, because all of the runoff of the insufferable fanboys who couldn't get enough bitching for the BBCT score, decided to muck up the KOFXII review by complaining it also got a three/five stars. And who cares about BlazBlue now? Absolutely nobody.

I do. I love that game. In fact I'd put its sequel down as one of the top 3 fighting games this generation (along with SSFIV and MK9). KoF XII was super bad though. People saying otherwise are crazy.

Anyway, I never really understood why people get so incensed over bad review scores for games/series they like. It shouldn't impact your enjoyment of the game at all. It's never bothered me when a reviewer didn't like a game that I enjoyed.

What i don't understand is why people read/watch reviews of games they already own.

I've never really thought about that. I guess I just like to see what other people think about games I like. Maybe it is a little weird when you break it down.

@GnaTSoL said:

Forget the reviews! That vomit of a article Patrick wrote about feeling like a pussy infront of boothbabes has to be the dumbest thing I ever read. Don't fear boobs, whereever they may be.

Hahaha. I thought the same thing too when I read that piece. I never understood his logic why he thought the profession or employ those independent women chose was degrading twards women or men. I remember just laughing at the article and just smh. I guess hes anti-feminist. lol. But I guess if it made him uncomfortable around the idea of women being used legally as tools to promote video games was demoralizing to him and his brethren of video gamers made his argument somewhat legitimate and palpable to those who couldn't embrace the boothbabe ideolgy. Perhaps he thinks their the better men for thinking as such. I could just compare the cosplay movement thats hugely popular as another exmple why I think his way of thinking is silly. ...or how about the beach clad bikinis babes who thrive on showing skin. I mean it's just skin and nothing more...right? So what, they're trying to sell us products. Thats capitalism. Anyways. I could care less of what anybody thinks of that situation. Independent women will gladly do whatever they think is right and good for them. Let's not make it anymore difficult for them.

As for video game reviews. I don't believe in scores but believe in constructive criticism. I'm all for that. Even though I never read reviews because I like to play and try games by myself. Although, sometimes I'll read a review after I play or finish a game just to see what the reviewer thought and if differences were abound. But, clearly there is a market for this "evaluating score" stuff that the industry feeds into and its sad. As long as websites continue to do the same and offer numerical scores or star rating systems, etc. and don't offer bold change and lead by example. Nothing will ever change... but on the plus side, the inherent squabble over low scores makes for entertaining fluff that feeds the hordes of fanboys all over the internet and thats free marketing you can't buy.

Wait what the fuck happened with the Catherine review? I never pay attention to any of the comments on reviews (or reviews for the most part). Anyone want to enlighten me?

@triple07 said:

Wait what the fuck happened with the Catherine review? I never pay attention to any of the comments on reviews (or reviews for the most part). Anyone want to enlighten me?

Jeff reviewed it despite his stated dislike of block puzzles. He also thought Vincent is an unrealistic character despite the fact that he was intentionally written as an emotionally indecisive adult afraid of commitment, which many adults are in real life.

jeff was right about catherine

jeff was right about Twilight Princess.

Jeff was right about Nights (amazed how few people listened especially since Super Mario 64 came out shortly after it)

and Brad is right about RE6. No controversy for me.

@TheHBK said:

jeff was right about catherine

jeff was right about Twilight Princess.

Jeff was right about Nights (amazed how few people listened especially since Super Mario 64 came out shortly after it)

and Brad is right about RE6. No controversy for me.

You say these things without explaining how or why he's right on any of these items.

Diablo 3 5/5 - Bullshit

Mortal Kombat Vita 5/5 - Bullshit

GTA IV 5/5 - Bullshit

Mortal Kombat v. DC 5/5 - Bullshit.

For me personally? Catherine.

It is hard for me to say when it comes to this website. The Giantbomb community seems to be a bit more tamed when it comes to other websites. We do have our fair share of crazies but I can't even remember the last time I read something that was way out there on here. Even when someone disagrees on a review they usually just say that and maybe they are enjoying the game.

They generally do a solid job at picking the appropriate guy on staff to review a game. I can't remember a specific instance when I completely disagreed with a review on this site.

@EPGPX said:

@GnaTSoL said:

Forget the reviews! That vomit of a article Patrick wrote about feeling like a pussy infront of boothbabes has to be the dumbest thing I ever read. Don't fear boobs, whereever they may be.

Hahaha. I thought the same thing too when I read that piece. I never understood his logic why he thought the profession or employ those independent women chose was degrading twards women or men. I remember just laughing at the article and just smh. I guess hes anti-feminist. lol. But I guess if it made him uncomfortable around the idea of women being used legally as tools to promote video games was demoralizing to him and his brethren of video gamers made his argument somewhat legitimate and palpable to those who couldn't embrace the boothbabe ideolgy. Perhaps he thinks their the better men for thinking as such. I could just compare the cosplay movement thats hugely popular as another exmple why I think his way of thinking is silly. ...or how about the beach clad bikinis babes who thrive on showing skin. I mean it's just skin and nothing more...right? So what, they're trying to sell us products. Thats capitalism. Anyways. I could care less of what anybody thinks of that situation. Independent women will gladly do whatever they think is right and good for them. Let's not make it anymore difficult for them.

As for video game reviews. I don't believe in scores but believe in constructive criticism. I'm all for that. Even though I never read reviews because I like to play and try games by myself. Although, sometimes I'll read a review after I play or finish a game just to see what the reviewer thought and if differences were abound. But, clearly there is a market for this "evaluating score" stuff that the industry feeds into and its sad. As long as websites continue to do the same and offer numerical scores or star rating systems, etc. and don't offer bold change and lead by example. Nothing will ever change... but on the plus side, the inherent squabble over low scores makes for entertaining fluff that feeds the hordes of fanboys all over the internet and thats free marketing you can't buy.

He definitely came off high and mighty in that article based on how I remember it. I can see booth babes being dumb, but he was way over-thinking the problem.

The one most often held up as evidence that GB is the world's worst source of reviews is BlazBlue, from what I notice.

@EpicSteve said:

They generally do a solid job at picking the appropriate guy on staff to review a game. I can't remember a specific instance when I completely disagreed with a review on this site.

@EPGPX said:

@GnaTSoL said:

Forget the reviews! That vomit of a article Patrick wrote about feeling like a pussy infront of boothbabes has to be the dumbest thing I ever read. Don't fear boobs, whereever they may be.

Hahaha. I thought the same thing too when I read that piece. I never understood his logic why he thought the profession or employ those independent women chose was degrading twards women or men. I remember just laughing at the article and just smh. I guess hes anti-feminist. lol. But I guess if it made him uncomfortable around the idea of women being used legally as tools to promote video games was demoralizing to him and his brethren of video gamers made his argument somewhat legitimate and palpable to those who couldn't embrace the boothbabe ideolgy. Perhaps he thinks their the better men for thinking as such. I could just compare the cosplay movement thats hugely popular as another exmple why I think his way of thinking is silly. ...or how about the beach clad bikinis babes who thrive on showing skin. I mean it's just skin and nothing more...right? So what, they're trying to sell us products. Thats capitalism. Anyways. I could care less of what anybody thinks of that situation. Independent women will gladly do whatever they think is right and good for them. Let's not make it anymore difficult for them.

As for video game reviews. I don't believe in scores but believe in constructive criticism. I'm all for that. Even though I never read reviews because I like to play and try games by myself. Although, sometimes I'll read a review after I play or finish a game just to see what the reviewer thought and if differences were abound. But, clearly there is a market for this "evaluating score" stuff that the industry feeds into and its sad. As long as websites continue to do the same and offer numerical scores or star rating systems, etc. and don't offer bold change and lead by example. Nothing will ever change... but on the plus side, the inherent squabble over low scores makes for entertaining fluff that feeds the hordes of fanboys all over the internet and thats free marketing you can't buy.

He definitely came off high and mighty in that article based on how I remember it. I can see booth babes being dumb, but he was way over-thinking the problem.

Whoa I must have missed this article... can someone linky?

@Hailinel: Ah I see thanks for updating me.

You see, this is why we should get rid of review scores. We get to hung over these hard figures which are a poor indication of the quality of a game that deserves a more in depth look.

The one were Jeff gave a five-star review to that pro white supremacy game White Power on the 3DO.

Mario Kart Wii, I mean only 3 stars COME ON!

Lost Planet 2. That shitstorm was incredible. Although I have to say I don't miss oldschool and Linkyshinks, considering their behavior after that review.

But it made for some delicious banter between them and HandsomeDead.

Catherine got 2 out 5... Oh okay it's official the Resident Evil 6 review is now irrelevant.

I disagree with many of their scores. For example I don't think Syndicate is anywhere near a 5/5 game.

But I wouldn't say they are that controversial.

@Barrabas said:

@Napalm said:

Jeff's BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger and King Of Fighters XII review, because all of the runoff of the insufferable fanboys who couldn't get enough bitching for the BBCT score, decided to muck up the KOFXII review by complaining it also got a three/five stars. And who cares about BlazBlue now? Absolutely nobody.

I do. I love that game. In fact I'd put its sequel down as one of the top 3 fighting games this generation (along with SSFIV and MK9). KoF XII was super bad though. People saying otherwise are crazy.

Anyway, I never really understood why people get so incensed over bad review scores for games/series they like. It shouldn't impact your enjoyment of the game at all. It's never bothered me when a reviewer didn't like a game that I enjoyed.

I, too, love Blazblue. It's just a less popular fighting game than Street Fighter (or even tekken, probably)

Syndicate and Renegade Ops reviews both I personally found pretty bizarre.

I don't see controversy in a game's review score. It is one person's opinions versus one's own. I find it funny people look so much at review scores, if you like the game that should be good enough for you. I see reviews only as opinion not a score that I should use to decided if I want to play it or not. Because honestly, RE6 has gotten pretty negative reviews, but at some point I would like to sit down with the game and find out for myself why the game is bad or why it is an okay game.

The one (I can remember) that made half of GB go into flames was the Lost Planet 2 review. The Nintendo Defense Force (or whatever they were called), a group of users on the forums, went completely bananas over it, and went on to insult & threaten the GB crew, and spam the forums for weeks on end. Eventually most of them were perma-banned, or left when their buddies were banned, and things thankfully became quiet again. One of them made a new account in time for the latest Zelda game being released, and tried to somewhat repeat the process when Patrick gave it 3 stars, but the mods quickly found out who it was and (I assume) re-banned him.

It was both pathetic and hilarious at the same time.

@xobballox said:

Lost Planet 2 immediately came to mind. There was a HUGE shitstorm over that that resulted in a couple high-profile users ending up being eventually banned because of how they started acting after that review. Might have been another game that started that and I could be misremembering however.

Indeed. And frankly good riddance.

I remember being upset at their Fable 3 review (and talks about it on the bombcast). But then I finished Fable 3 and ended up agreeing with them.

I knew about the prominent Nintendo defense force's downfall, but I had no idea that was linked to Lost Planet 2 as its origin. That game didn't even come out on the Wii, so that's weird.

I love when there is drama surrounding a review.

It's like watching terrible films ironically, it's so dumb it's fun

I feel compelled to bump this because of the recent DmC Devil May Cry review.

Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor. That game is amazing!