http://www.gamesradar.com/f/kane-lynch-how-it-feels-to-be-critically-panned/a-20080908102911734000

What do you have to say on the subject? I especially agree with the quote that "the obvious problem of a grown-up reviewing a game for kids, or a hardcore gamer reviewing a game for the mass market. I think journalists should have the opportunity to see a focus group playing games, especially kids' games. They really do play some games in dramatically different manners than a 25-30 year-old game fanatic.". I totally agree cause I really enjoyed The Simpsons Road Rage as a kid when it came out, but that game got negatively panned by critics. Keep in mind, that I didn't know it was a Crazy Taxy clone cause I had never played that before.

It's understandable that a game designer will be personally affected by a review. To relate to myself, sometimes I write songs that I think are pretty good, but other people just can't stand them, and sometimes their critique is slightly less than constructive. It really gets you down when someone seems to hate something you put effort into for no tangible reason. At the same time, getting praised for something isn't great either. One of the people that I most respect in the history of the world said that when you get praised, you'll get fat and satisfied and forget about the talent you really have. It's best to shake it off, and make sure you're content with the product going out. A game developer should never make a game solely because people want them to make it, like Bungie did with Halo's 2 and 3. Developer integrity is key, and it's all about being able to stand by your work.