Publishing reviews – game analyses – on Memória BIT is straightforward. Before diving in, I suggest you check out this page, which gives an overview of the criteria and rating system used on the site.
MB is not obligated to publish only one review per game. On the contrary, a game can be reviewed by multiple authors, each with their own article and ratings. Therefore, an individual review does not represent the official stance of the site.
What is a review?
Review refers to a rating, the critique, or the analysis of a game. When creating reviews, keep the following important details in mind:
Play the game
Obvious? Yes, but some reviewers forget it.
For modern games, ideally, you should have played it within the last few days – depending on how well your memory (and notes) serve you. It’s not mandatory to have completed the game, but you’ll have stronger arguments if you do.
It’s better to have a delayed, well-crafted review than a hasty and superficial one.
Remember that the reader of a review expects:
- to know what the game offers;
- to avoid spoilers.
For older games, someone might think, "I remember how it is, no need to play it again." Don’t be fooled by your memory. It’s crucial to revisit the game, even if just for half an hour, if you know it well.
Share Your Opinion
Don’t be afraid to express your opinion.
Opinions can be uncomfortable, but they’re a necessary part of this process. If there’s something you don’t like about the game you’re reviewing, don’t hesitate to write about it or worry about negative comments you might receive.
Avoid being a flamer for no reason, but remember that the review is yours.
Crucial: Analysis is not an encyclopedia
You’re not obligated to include details like who produced the game or credits – only if they are relevant for some reason. Imagine someone considering buying the game, eager for an opinion, and finding that your text lacks any personal insight...
A review is meant to evaluate and give opinions, not to be an encyclopedia. If you want to create technical specs, we have a whole category for that.
How to Create Game Reviews
Creating the Post
After logging in, go to the dashboard (using the path www.memoriabit.com.br/wp-admin). Navigate to the "Posts" menu and create a regular post.
Scroll through the categories until you find "Review" and select it. It has almost all systems listed as subcategories. Also, select the system of the game being reviewed.
Don’t check all the systems the game was released on, only the one you’re playing. Playing on PlayStation 4? Check only PlayStation 4.
The section for rating each game criterion will open automatically.
The title
Avoid choosing fancy names for your reviews. Be as direct as possible, so the format is Review: Game Name.
Simple as that. "Review: Super Mario Bros.", "Review: Sonic the Hedgehog", "Review: The Last of Us".
Long time ago, I let people create nice names, but the result was a crazy mix of cliché wording. Stick with the basics.
Review content
1. Text - Prepare the text as you would for any other publication. If you're unsure how to use something, check out the contributor's manual.
2. Game Cover - An image of the original game cover/box, preferably the American version (unless it's an exclusive Japanese, Brazilian, etc, title).
It MUST be 500 pixels wide, in WEBP format. Check the site's image library by searching for the game’s name + cover art or "arte capa" (I've uploaded lots of covers with Portuguese information); it may have already been uploaded.
Do not upload images in PNG format unless the game is in pixel art: they are very large and slow down page loading.
3. Featured Image - An image with least 1164 pixels width. This image will appear in article lists, on the homepage, sliders, etc. If you can't upload it, leave it out and someone will add it later.
"Review - Information" is the box where you can enter your ratings and additional information. It appears just below the area where you edit the post.
REMEMBER: The box only appears when you select the "Review" category for the post.
It’s easy to fill out, with labels on each field explaining their functions. Provide as much of the requested information as possible.
There are sliders to rate each criterion. No further explanation needed. The rating fields are for the following criteria:
- Graphics
- Sound Effects
- Music: If the game lacks music, consider how this impacts your rating. Don’t give a zero rating just because there’s no music, as some games don’t require it.
- Gameplay
- Controls
- Story: If there is no story, evaluate how this affects the game and if it manages to convey its theme (e.g., Super Mario Kart might not have a story, but does it effectively represent a fantasy kart racing game?)
- Creativity
- Charisma: Does the game have features that are easy to like, such as a compelling, touching story and/or memorable characters?
Why isn’t Fun a criterion?
Rating fun is too subjective. What one reviewer finds incredibly fun might be boring to another. Some people love first-person shooters, while others might prefer MMORPGs or find fighting games tedious.
Other criteria also have some degree of subjectivity, but while not an exact science, they are more objective. No one in their right mind would give high marks for the graphics of E.T. or the controls of Shaq Fu...
Concept is a short (150-character limit) and mandatory evaluation that appears in the review box at the end of the review.
For the cover: only the front, not the full cover (front and back). Check the site’s media library by searching for the game’s name; it might already be there. Again, only WEBP format, never PNG.
Multiple reviews of the same game?
The site supports multiple reviews for the same game and is not committed to publishing just one. A "guest opinion" system is in development, allowing other team editors to include a brief opinion on the game within others' reviews, if they don’t wish to write their own, so we won't need like, a dozen reviews of the same game.
