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Sessler's Soapbox: Review To A Kill

Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Wednesday, April 02, 2008 6:22 PM

Last week, X-Play reviewed Crisis Core for the PSP and, well, apparently the review generated a little controversy amongst fans of the show and the Final Fantasy franchise.

In this week's Sessler's Soapbox, Adam takes on his critics and explains why he gets so worked up about being accused of "not being in line with other reviewers."

Check out the video below and let us know what you think or share your thoughts on our forums.


Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Permalink Tags: G4, Sessler's Soapbox, Videogames, Videos


Comment(s)

Posted by Hellwarden - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 6:30 PM

I don't understand why people don't get that reviews are just opinions. Some may differ with yours.

Also Adam looks odd with James Bonds hair.
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Posted by Zaxous - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 6:37 PM

Hey, this will be my first post. Heya all!

I was somewhat shocked to see the review of a 2 out of 5. I'm a Final Fantasy fan, so it seemed a little odd that Square-Enix would drop the ball on a game, because they *usually* like to shine it to perfection.

But after playing the game (borrowed, as I don't own a PSP), I totally agree. The game is enjoyable, but it's really a forgettable game and probably the black sheep in the Final Fantasy 7 compilation. That's even saying something with Dirge of Cerebrus.

So, Sessler and everyone at G4, keep on rockin'.
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Posted by drago101382 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 6:40 PM

Right on adam love your rants. I have noticed that others have reviewed final fantasy around 8 and it's good to see you stand by your opinion. I watch xplay everyday and let's face it your just trying to help us save our money for a game that is worth our investment. Keep up the good work.
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Posted by MajorMisra - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 6:40 PM

tru dat sessler. ive been watching a few of these "soapbox" videos and i highly value your opinion on the gaming industry. alot of things you point out make sense
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Posted by panzerfist - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 6:48 PM

I think the one way that X-play could screw up a review is if they said a game didn't do something that another game just like it did. Meaning they said this game doesn't do something but another game which is practically the exact same thing or concept does. This final fantasy game didn't do what the others did, which isn't always bad, but the different road it took didn't really work.

If you like the game then fine, but maybe you should wait to buy if it really matters so much to you.
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Posted by TehEibm0z - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 6:56 PM

I have been watching X-Play for years, in fact before it was X-Play and was Extended Play. I must say that the quality of the reviews has always been spot on. Otherwise I wouldn’t watch it. Some of my best gaming choices have been at the recommendations of X-Play, and some of my most epic fails have been the result of me not listening to x-play (i.e. the Sopranos game and the entire Bloodrayne franchise). Shaming a reviewer for being out of step with other reviewers IS WRONG!!!!!!! I read other review sites, which won’t be named, and find the lack of scrutiny, especially in nostalgia based games, to be ridiculous! And by the way here is a quote by one of the commenter on the crisis core review "Are you a idiot". I think a bit of my heart broke with that sentence.
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Posted by JDarkley - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 6:58 PM

He's right, reviews between X-Play, Game Informer, Gamespot, etc., do not need to be unanimous.
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Posted by johnnypeps - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:01 PM

i concur with you adam
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Posted by RP_Puzzle - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:08 PM

Lol dang it Adam you're so entertaining. Indeed people who want their opinions justified should not go to college because it's not going to happen. In college it's all about playing to your teacher's flute or you'll do poorly. Then again I find this to be true anywhere in life, as this uproar against X-Play's differing opinion has demonstrated.

I loved how you guys edited your FF7 Crisis Core review though. Funniest thing I've seen on X-Play since 4/20 day. Wait no that's not true Lost in Burnout Paradise was hilarious before that. Perhaps X-Play and others disagree with this viewpoint, but are we going to say I don't know what I'm talking about? Well maybe I don't because my Wii tells me I'm like miiiiles away from popular opinion...*sniff* I'm so alone!!
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Posted by ELpork - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:19 PM

Your right a Adam... but Adam you need to tell us your shoe size so we can buy you some new "kicks" for your opening.
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Posted by sithlord_Hawk - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:23 PM

....totaly agree here i have not played the game myself so i have no opinion of it but i know that what x play does for the viewers say hey this is what we thought if you wanna buy it even tho we said its a peice of crap go ahead we arent going to laugh(well maybe in seceret) but you can do it were just telling you the game sucked major monkey balls to us to you it may be different!

sessler keep on doing what you do i love it
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Posted by paranoic - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:25 PM

I have absolutely noticed what Adam is trying to say, but in a different situation. i.e When people argue about which console is better. They give valid arguments, but when you share your opinion they get offended and start insulting you. People have there own preferences and you have to realize there is always another side to the story. Adam is just a person who has a highly respected opinion in video games, and i very much trust him. Maybe its just human nature but thank you Adam for pointing it out.
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Posted by Suhaila - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:30 PM

That's what I keep saying. Most people who had a problem with the review were hard core FF7 fans and if they had listened to the review isntead of just having a fit over the score they'd realize that you guys basically said if you're hardcore fan, you'll love it! and guess what? That was very obviously true!

I like the fact that I can listen to what is said instead of relying on just a score. (There is no way that I'm spending hours reading reviews that basically amount to novels but I can pay attention for 3 minutes! Sometimes...)

Sigh. In the end it's an opinion, something to take into consideration. I don't not get a game just because it got a 2/5 and I also don't just buy a game if it got a 4/5 or higher. I might think twice about getting a game that got 2/5 that I would have otherwise wanted and I might consider getting a game that got a 4/5 or higher if I had not considered doing so before. That is all.
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Posted by dark_diaz - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:32 PM

I have to say thank you Adam for saying these things. I don't think people always like to hear other opinions and aren't open to criticism. The same thing happened when IGN gave No More Heroes a 7.8, it was like the world had come to some sort of apocalypse. What people don't realize (I include myself in the IGN example example), is that this is just what reviewer's are supposed to do, give their opinion on what they think of a game, and just because they say something doesn't mean we have to go crazy about it. It's their opinion and we need to appreciate it and respect it.

Once again thanks Adam, keep doing what you're doing because it's great.
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Posted by EnterpriseE - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:33 PM

Awesome Adam. I think more reviewers need to come out and say this because to many people get to hung up on what one person says or scores a game. Take Dark Sector as an example. Alot of mixed reviews some good. Some bad. Same with Crisis Core.

I am a die hard FF fan and I was able to read the review and not get all pissed about it. People forget that reviews are OPININONS NOT FRAKING FACTS. Keep up the good work Adam been watching your show since it was called Extended Play and before that on CNET.
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Posted by thesilentmole - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 7:44 PM

I don't give any about Crisis Core one way or the other, but I am in absolute agreement with Adam. People are way to loony about game scores and reviews. IGN fans are some of the worst at this, too. They love crying out "Money hats! Money hats!" implying, of course, that IGN takes money for their reviews. That kind of senseless, and baseless thought just sickens me. I like reading reviews, even if I own a game, just because I'm interested in what other people have to say. I don't ever get offended, unless they're just flat on wrong on something. But even still, it's just my opinion and I'm not necessarily "offended." I just think differently than other people, and that's OK.
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Posted by mex_rockerhotmail05 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:05 PM

MajorMisra "i highly value your opinion on the gaming industry. alot of things you point out make sense" coulden't have been said better and i totally trust xplay reviews!! KEEP THE SOAPBOXES COMIN'!!! I love em'!
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Posted by CustosIntusSilentium - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:06 PM

Good, bad, or otherwise it's admirable that you stood up to your own model of integrity and rated the game as you saw it and didn't change after all the flak, Adam. On the other hand, I doubt you didn't think this was a possible outcome of such a review on a hyped FF game like CC. Last I checked, FF7 has a huge cult (emphasis on cult) following, and I'm pretty damn sure you're more intelligent than to deny the possibility of being rebuked. Either way, CC could be a crappy game, like you said, and all the other reviewers may have felt too pressured by the masses to give it an accurate review. I have yet to play the game but from what I've seen, and have been told by friends, the game isn't that bad. But I say again- thanks for standing up for your ideals.
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Posted by M4Dash - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:08 PM

wait, inexplicably random slot machine system, ridiculous story, frequently mindless combat? i believe that was also a little game called "No More Heroes" and that got a 5/5 and no real mention of any of those things being a con in that game.

at worst a 3/5 but 2/5 is just too suspicious when you give a give with similar flaws a much higher score. does xplay want attention or something. play on hard if you want a challenge.

he is entitled to his opinion but it felt like his whole opinion of the game did not meet his expectations. story wise other ff games are better and gameplay wise the action rpg gameplay of kingdom hearts or ffxii did it much better thus a low score.
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Posted by MisterBrown - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:14 PM

While I have occasionally disagreed with X-Play's reviews (sorry, Morgan, but I found Okami to be overrated, and the Ratchet and Clanks all seem the same to me), I LOVE the fact that they disagree with me. Welcome to America, ladies and gentlemen, where divergent opinions only make one THINK more about one's current mindset.

I LOVED Final Fantasy VII in ridiculous amounts, yet I thought Dirge of Cerberus was garbage. While I'm interested in Crisis Core, I can see how it wouldn't stack up and how it might only appeal to fans of my nature. So, even if I'm the type to enjoy FFVII and Adam and Morgan want to tease me being a nerd that cries at Aerith's death, I welcome it. X-Play's reviews are highly thoughtful and entertaining, often even more so when they dislike a game. Therefore, tear my Final Fantasy apart. I'll enjoy your review almost as much as my game. Thanks.
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Posted by GodfatherSRT10 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:17 PM

Adam + Soapbox = Badass
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Posted by cutslasher - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:17 PM

Sessler, you are my hero!

You have just voiced EXACTLY my opinions on SO many comments placed on G4's reviews!

Keep ranting! You're really good at it!
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Posted by JuliusBenedict - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:23 PM

All I have to say is crysis a 3/5 WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU CLEARLY DON'T KNOW HOW TO RATE GAMES.
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Posted by mercisan - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:24 PM

Agreed Sessler!
Stood your ground regardless of fanboys rants.
My hat goes off to you sir.
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Posted by demonlord2007 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:26 PM

Keep doing waht you do best. I bought halo 3 and Mass effect after seeng them get great reviews on x-play. I also have other games That I will buy like call of duty 4 that were great as well.
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Posted by GrandGeekKris - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 8:29 PM

Thank You For Putting People In There Places Adam. You Are A Gentlemen And A Scholar...
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Posted by Dodongo_killer87 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:01 PM

People need to stop relying on the all mighty reviewers to give them their next 'word is law' reviews. Reviewers are just here to give you their opinions on the games so you can ... well jut know thier opinions really. but theirs nothing wrong with opinions so people crying about Final fantasy, get over it, and you probably still live with your mama.
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Posted by Apsalus07 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:08 PM

HAHAHHAHHAH!!!! Sessler you totally pwned those manga-banging final fantasy freaks!!! oH sNAp!! Totally made my day!
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Posted by Drop_Six - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:11 PM

Adam is right, except what he said makes him a hypocrite. Because him and every other reviewer in the world except Yahzee said Halo 3 was a great game. Halo 3 was nothing more than a mediocre FPS with awesome multiplayer. One good thing and one mediocre thing doesn't make a good game. Not to mention buying a game for the multiplayer is like buying only half a game which means that it should only cost $30 instead of $60.
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Posted by undeadforest - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:18 PM

I usually enjoy x-play reviews although they do dissapoint me every now and then. Most recently is Dark Sector, I have had a lot of fun with that game lately and it only got a 2. Yeah the story isn't all that great but it carries the game decently enough. I just can't get enough of the blood, the action, and the glaive. I am certainly having a lot more fun playing it than say, Mario Galaxy, which got a perfect score.
But one thing he is right about is that I have developed my opinion about the game and I really shouldn't and don't care what reviewers think.
Anyway, although I really don't agree with most reviewers, I think IGN is the most spot on, and I hate gamespot reviews, I swear it is the most biased crap.
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Posted by TommyBoy777 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:24 PM

Yep, Adam's right. Like when my friend said his favorite Final Fantasy game (7 by the way), he asked me mine. I said Final Fantasy 8. He got all offensive, like Adam said, as if I directly called his mom fat. I don't get those types of people... It's like I can't voice my opinion without being shuned.
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Posted by acsbuttonmasher - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:24 PM

....epic...
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Posted by Aztec23 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 9:38 PM

Adam I agree with you except when yall review the game yall keep saying how horrible was the storyline. I remember Gaylo and gears had a bad storyline but got a 5 out of 5.
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Posted by HedgehogEmoness - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:03 PM

@ JuliusBenedict
Were you being sarcastic or did you just SERIOUSLY miss the point of everything Adam was saying?

Hey adam, great job, great rants, love 'em.
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Posted by RTR - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:05 PM

Adam really is a visionary. He's also really good at dodging bullets and sending back a whole lot of his own.
This has been one of the best Soapboxes in recent memory.
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Posted by arod95 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:12 PM

Adam needs to have a televised debate with Jack Thompson or some other video game hating lunatic.
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Posted by WindFall259 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:14 PM

Seriously, hypocrisy is more common than you think. The fanboys think the reviewers are biased, just look at themselves for one minute; just one. The strong fanboy will always believe that a game is superior because of his undying love of the game itself. They would say all they want about how the story or mechanics are superior, but please, stop lying and just say that most of your opinion comes from the fact that you just strongly support the game.

Someone doesn't believe in God, someone else accuses him as a devil's advocate.

Someone believes in magic, someone else accuses him as a witch.

Someone gives a bad review, someone else accuses him as a bad reviewer.

Respect each other's opinion. Get an open mind. And most importantly, if you take offense of a respectable opinion, deal with it.
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Posted by Faol - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:33 PM

I'm just glad to see you standing up for your opinion instead of just rolling over and saying you think its a good game now, right on Adam.
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Posted by darthrayne - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:58 PM

Well, just to put my 2 cents in however judging by the content of the posts mine will probably be deleted.

I don't like xplay, I find their reviews poorly based. I think Gameinformer puts a lot more time into analyzing many aspects that are important to games. I also hate the 5 star scale xplay uses. Why not ten, get on the band wagon guys.

Anyway, not to attack Adam personally as I don't know him or care to in that manner. But he does seem to both review and act upon fits of emotional angst. He seems a little psychotic sometimes. I don't know if that's his character or if he really is emotionally unfounded.

However G4 does offer great daily updates and their reviews although far from best, are usually at least in a ballpark of what the game is like. Again I point to gameinformer.

Olivia's hot and so is Morgan.

That's why I watch any of this channel
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Posted by lightknight77 - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 10:58 PM

Sessler was definitely right, that dude's mom was totally fat.

The review of the game was spot on. I mean, the cutscenes were amazing but the game itself was just wading through Shawshank's crap pipe to get to the excellent storyline. Perhaps people are confusing the difference between actually playing a game and watching a movie?
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Posted by bleedthrough - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 11:04 PM

Go Adam!!!!!!!! Thank you for tearing these fanboys a new one! Seriously, people seem to think that everything Final Fantasy is supposed to be gold or some gift from the heavens or something when clearly this attempt was a piss poor game clearly made to squeeze even more milk from the proverbial Final Fantasy VII cow. Thank you for your honesty, I give this soapbox 5 jutified angry Adams out of 5.
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Posted by plasticgiantcatbear - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 11:18 PM

I would watch X-Play more often if it was more of this and less of Morgan's god awful newscaster voice. Has anybody told her to cut that out or does she speak like that all the time? Christ.
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Posted by Brettzies - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 11:21 PM

I liked both reviews. The re-review was a classic though. I kind of trust xplay more then other reviews because they aren't afraid to gush up to a producer one day for a preview and then trash the game in the review a few weeks later...I always wonder if they feel guilty about that, but at least it's honest.
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Posted by Suhaila - Wednesday, April 2, 2008 11:57 PM

@darthrayne

You should check out a post by Boricua86 (who seems to be your soulmate) called "Changing Game Rating" on the Xplay forum. It will address a lot of your concerns. Including the fact that Adam and Morgan aren't the only ones who put input for reviews.

And if your only reason for watching G4 is because Morgan and Olivia are hot, let me ask this.

Why are you watching a Sessler's Soapbox?

Here's a spoiler, neither morgan nor olivia are going to be making any appearances. It's all Adam, all the time.

Just the way I like it.
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Posted by Sean_Kashaku - Thursday, April 3, 2008 12:01 AM

*applauding the effort*

Oh Adam, your cynical yet oh so very true insight into the minds of the masses is spot on... but surely you must also know that ranting to them about their own hypocrisy and idiocies is all but a futile effort. At the end of the day people are just too damn stubborn to realize there actions are similar to that of a half stupid primate, and that they should perhaps wise up and knock it off. I still commend the effort.
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Posted by Sean_Kashaku - Thursday, April 3, 2008 12:18 AM

*applauding the effort*

Oh Adam, your cynical yet oh so very true insight into the minds of the masses is spot on... but surely you must also know that ranting to them about their own hypocrisy and idiocies is all but a futile effort. At the end of the day people are just too damn stubborn to realize there actions are similar to that of a half stupid primate, and that they should perhaps wise up and knock it off. I still commend the effort.
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Posted by bipolarfly - Thursday, April 3, 2008 12:54 AM

G4 for has only one hope in the future... it's the outstandingly creative hosts/writers. I agree with many that the ff7 review was crap. I really thought it should of gotten a much better rating. however, there is a point of opinions. That is mine, and your's is yours(look at history ya dumb**#@s). main point is- Adam Sessler.... you're amazing (so is FF7:CC IMO).
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Posted by goldarbiter - Thursday, April 3, 2008 3:26 AM

What inspires me about x-play is that whwn they review they will be honest about the game picking at every single pro and con they can find. Even if you don't agree you can see a bigger picture of the game like destroy all humans 3/5 loved it. sonic 360 bought it before reviewed and ritualy destroyed the Disc and case a week later. I used to always like sonic but other reviews of sonic games list more pros and in a more optimistic, manner than the review for sonic 360(the worst game ever).
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Posted by will3792 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 3:54 AM

i always pay attention as to the reviews from x-play. if i wonder abou a game, i watch the review of x-play. and while i may not agree with some of their reviews, i still take them into consideration.
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Posted by will3792 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 3:56 AM

ive also never really liked or played the final fantasy games. to me, they are the epiphany of crap.
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Posted by will3792 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 4:01 AM

i second that request from arod95
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Posted by fanboy07 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 4:03 AM

YES!! THE SESS JUST PWNED ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO DISAGREE WITH HIM



THOSES ARE SOME GREAT WORDS FROM THE SESS!!
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Posted by plookoon94 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 4:05 AM

I solute you Mr.Sessler
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Posted by Battlehobo4000 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 6:00 AM

Who cares what FF7 fans think? That's the true question.
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Posted by goat719 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 6:31 AM

first of all you guys actually watch xplay for THERE reviews? they have always been a crappy review show. xplay is good for one thing and thats if you cant get online, then watch the the show with your volume off
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Posted by Travis_Touchdown - Thursday, April 3, 2008 7:03 AM

I love you, Adam. Buttsecks?
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Posted by schroetlin - Thursday, April 3, 2008 7:09 AM

I do watch X-Play for there reviews, I enjoy the show and I value their opinion, but I also look and other reviews before I rent or buy. Anyone who gets mad at them for making an opinion needs to calm down and take a breath because final fantasy is not the only popular franchise to get a bad review from them or anyone else(hint, 007 games, Metroid, and yes even some Mario games).

Sock it to um Sessler
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Posted by VonSpartan - Thursday, April 3, 2008 7:33 AM

SESSLER YOU ARE MY FREAKING HERO!!!!!!!!
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Posted by gamebrain89 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 7:40 AM

I agree with you adam. I watch to see if the games are worth my 50-60 bucks, not to justify a purchase. True, I dont always agree with you or morgan about the reviews, but thats cool. you guys keep it honest, so I take any concerns you had into consideration. But if i really like the game, Im gonna get the game, no matter what the review score was, from anyone. and one more thing. GET A LIFE. its a freaking game, made to entertain. Dont get so hung up on a peice of freaking software. geez. FF fanboys are just one of the more rabid groups. they need to be put down.

One question though, was there more of a reaction to this than say, the naruto or dbz fanboys? Cause I know you used to complain about them harrassing you about the games alot.
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Posted by BigBillBenfield - Thursday, April 3, 2008 8:12 AM

I agree with you completly. The games was not all that good and I personaly dont like the Final Fantasy Series. SESSLER you are "The Reviewer!!!).
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Posted by headznet - Thursday, April 3, 2008 8:17 AM

I find it funny when a reviewer gets offended by getting reviewed.
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Posted by headznet - Thursday, April 3, 2008 8:19 AM

I find it funny when a reviewer gets offended by getting reviewed.
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Posted by DeuceDeus - Thursday, April 3, 2008 8:20 AM

Adam,

I have to also give an alternate reasoning as to why reviews like yours are so important. I just graduated from college, and am paying out the rear for student loans. This means that when I want to buy a game for my 360, then I really have to look at the value of my gaming experience. I trust X-play because I often agreed with their reviews. I look to you and Morgan to tell me what's going to be fun and exciting, and you've yet to let me down. Thanks for everything and keep up the good work.

-DeuceRok
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Posted by TubbyM0f0 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:06 AM

Obviously this review is going to get him fired by Gamespot
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Posted by HedgehogEmoness - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:07 AM

@ darthrayne

Ummmmm ya. A Tv station would DEFINETLY hire someone whos psycotic. (if you couldn't tell, thats sarcasim right there.) And thats kinda stupid and demeaning to Morgan and Olivia that you watch this tv station to just stare at these woman all day. I find it offensive and kinda creepy. I mean they're people too and don't deserve to be treated like an object.


@ goldarbiter
I liked sonic for 360 :(
awww I'm like the only one. I'm too much of a sonic fanatic.
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Posted by sinister6972 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:12 AM

Hey Adam, you want me to write up some "contracts"??? I mean, I'll do it! I don't care anymore if the Government is watching me. They wanna go to war, we'll go to war........I mean, only if the apocolypse came, you know, LOL!!!
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Posted by ThataUFO - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:12 AM

Why does he care what other people say about his review? I have always watched X-Play for its irreverent reviews and the fact that they tried to distance themselves from other review shows. They realize that there will be hard core fans of a certain game or genre that will love whatever game they are reviewing. Even if they really hated a game and gave it a 1/5, they would always add that if you loved previous versions of the game or love the genre you will love this game. That statement is as important as the 1/5 score they gave it.
I love the show and I respect your opinions Adam. Just do us a favor and pull the stick out of your ass.
My apologies if this is rambling, im still wasted from last night.
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Posted by pmtoner - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:19 AM

I thought a 2/5 meant all but the most devoted (re: obnoxious) fans of the genre should stay away. Doesn't the vitriol from the final fancypants lovers sort of confirm the review?
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Posted by StraightupMikeD - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:26 AM

Adam - why not get rid of the number rating system altogether? I've always thought giving a game a fraction rating is stupid. I feel most people just look at the number and then don't bother listening to or reading anything else. If there's no number, at least then you know the audience actually has to hear you out from start to finish to get an idea of what your opinion is.

Also, I completely agree with your rant and your opinion of Crisis Core.
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Posted by Ieyke - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:27 AM

Final Fanbots, like Xbots have no concept of how mediocre the series has become (it used to be good ,10-12 games ago) and for some reason will defend it in defiance of all logic. I wouldn't worry about their inane accusations of ineptitude, since they themselves are too brainwashed to know what they're talking about.
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Posted by Battlehobo4000 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:29 AM

Hey Goat, it's spelled "Their." Possessive form and all that.
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Posted by HedgehogEmoness - Thursday, April 3, 2008 9:30 AM

Ieyke

Totally agree with ya there.
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Posted by DravenCross - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:06 AM

You know Adam, your completely out of step with your review of the review of your review...Thank you. Bwhahahahaha
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Posted by easyt82 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:08 AM

If they really look at these posts, I would like to know, in your opinion, Adam, What is your favorite console? Or not really necessarily your favorite, but the one that you spend the most time on? Choices being 360, PS3, or Wii
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Posted by AshleyHawkins_Is_Bac - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:10 AM

ADAM SESSLER IS RIGHT AS HELL, I MEAN IF YOU DONT LIKE HIS REVEIW THEN DONT WATCH IT. MAN I'VE BEEN WATCHING X-PLAY SINCE IT WAS GAMESPOT TV. I BEEN WATCHING IT LONGER THAN ALL OF YA'LL GUYS...HA HA. I LOVE X-PLAY, AND I LOVE THEIR REVIEWS.
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Posted by RP_Puzzle - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:14 AM

What the...I just read 73 comments? Bloody heck that's a ton.

I liked the people who pointed out Final Fantasy fans never see their own bias. And those who pointed out many people don't have much money for a game so opinions are important.

However there is no way the 360 Sonic could've been worse than Shadow the Hedgehog. I wasted 50 bucks on that game because I didn't wait for Adam and Morgan's opinion ;_;. I flipping love Shadow (I made my own Shadow puppet if you want proof), but I hate that game it was awful!
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Posted by LOAGEEKS (BANNED) - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:20 AM

Most of these comments on here are agreeing with Sessler cause he is bashing a FF game which has a large fan base / "Fanboys".

Bet if he actually gave a bad review of Halo 3, which it rightfully deserves, many of these commenters would be cursing him out.

Anyways, like he said, its his opinion. Since he gave Halo3, and No More Hereos a 5. I believe he actually does not play these games to the end.
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Posted by Takechi - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:28 AM

Adam's right i mean come get over it and play your damn games forget what he or others say as long as you like it... or love it tooo much.
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Posted by kiohto - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:49 AM

Adam, right on man, reviews give me insight into the games im looking to buy, but they should never be the deciding factor, ppl act like critics are the final authority when is comes to what games they buy, thats just bs. reviewers have the right to say whatever they want about the game. If you dont like one particular reviewer than just dont read their reviews, each has their own style (and its not hating on sony games, LOAGEEKS youre just another angry fanboy who doesnt know what hes talking about, these guys at g4 love FF too)thats why i like how gamespot finds the avg review score of both the players and critics, its kinda interesting to see
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Posted by MorganL4 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:13 AM

LOAGEEKS, Halo 3 is not a bad game, now I will be the first person to admit that it did not live up to the hype that surrounded it, but in all honestly how could it? I mean it may not have deserved a 5 I would have given it a 4 at worst. but when compared to other games and to say that it is catagorically a BAD game is just mindless gibberish.
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Posted by MorganL4 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:15 AM

Now I personally have no problem disagreeing with X play, I disagree about COD4 I thought that the story mode was lacking big time ( for those of you who dont remember they reviewed the story and the multiplayer seperately) and they gave it a 5, I would have probablly given it a 3 but I didnt go flamming adam ( and actually morgan was incharge of the story) but I didnt flame her either.
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Posted by MorganL4 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:16 AM

just because you disagree with one review does not mean that they cant review games. what people need to remember is that reviews are opinions and to quote my dad opinions are like @$$ holes everyones got one and most of them stink. it just so happens that you can find one that stinks a little less, one that you come to trust but what you need to remember is that no one agrees with anyone all the time. it is not possible
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Posted by chadness61503 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:36 AM

Well, I don't have a problem at all with different reviewers having different opinions. After all, that's what they do - give you their OPINION of a game, nothing more.

I do think sometimes reviewers (including the guys at X-Play) get a little carried away with wanting too much innovation that they really miss what makes a game good and what draws players to it. This happens more often than not with Japanese RPGs, from what I've seen.

What they basically want is to make JRPGs into Western RPGs, but that would completely erase the genre that many people love.

I never, ever base my opinion on a game, especially one as long-awaited as Crisis Core, on reviewer's opinions. If I did, I would have missed many of the games I've come to love over the years.
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Posted by TSMforever - Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:49 AM

Sessler you nailed it right on the head. That's exactly what people are doing and it's pretty pathetic. (One reason why we keep hearing about this "console war" still...) It's definitely good to see this side of you, showing everyone that your a real person, not just a 'scripted clone' and 'face' in "TV land". I respect your gaming opinion, but from not actually knowing you as a person, it's hard to truly understand where people come from.

On a somewhat similar note, people now a days are so caught up with the Internet, forums and groups, etc. that most wouldn't be able to stand by themselves if needed. The Internet while a useful 'tool', seems to be holding people back from reality and actually living their lives. You only have one life to live... don't waste it. If all you are are the things you type on your computer, then really, your nothing at all.

Anyway... keep up the good work Sessler.
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Posted by Takechi - Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:50 AM

Adam's right i mean come get over it and play your damn games forget what he or others say as long as you like it... or love it tooo much.
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Posted by Firestorm76 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 12:42 PM

Love how he keeps saying "they are the only ones who saw the game for what it was" After playing it for myself I think x-play was the only reviewer who didn't.
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Posted by lordofdarkflames - Thursday, April 3, 2008 1:16 PM

i fully agree with adam in every aspect asssin creed is a perfect example of how not all reviewer give games the same score
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Posted by LOAGEEKS (BANNED) - Thursday, April 3, 2008 1:21 PM

@KIOHTO- I wasn't talking about Sessler, I was talking about the folks who are posting comments. Sessler was not attacking the game, he was attacking/defending himself from FF fanboys. Mostly, everyone else on this board is getting out of hand with hating on FF Fanboys.

I personally don't ever, never, ever listen, to "Video Game Reviewers". I mostly get reviews from friends, and I can also play the games my friends have.

So if anyone who bases their decision to play a game solely based on reviews, from some stranger who probably never fully played/experienced the game. Then I suggest you go out and make some freinds and/or spruce up your Myspace page so that you could get some requests.

Other than that this segment of Sessler's Soapbox was entertaining.
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Posted by Rogue09 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 1:39 PM

Listen, this isn't about FF fanboys or not. Honest to God, I've begun to question their credibility over the last two months or so because of how DRASTICALLY their show has changed. They now review games in 1-2 minute bite sized chunks and rarely give any pertinant information about the game anymore. Before the format change, Adam and Morgan were Gods, and now it seems like they've fallen to earth. THIS, however, was shameful. Adam is whining because people didn't like his review. Well, life sucks, cry in a pillow. You can earn my respect again, but only if you give fuller reviews with the zest that you used to.
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Posted by Rogue09 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 1:41 PM

(Continued from above)

I don't care if your reviews are bizzaro world opposites to every reviewer on earth, but when you feel that you have to whine that people don't like you anymore just so all these jerks can pat you on the shoulder and tell you that life will get better and that you can go play astronaut in the backyard, your credibility just takes another nose dive. I mean, look at all these people? I'm surprised you have any internal organs left, they're sucking on your a-hole so hard. Rewind to 4 months in the past, and get back to work. Who knows, maybe one day I'll actually laugh during your show again.
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Posted by Rogue09 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 1:46 PM

Oh, and how can you NOT question his sanity about this? He us REALLY getting worked up about ONE of his reviews not being liked? Just change a couple words in his crazy hate speech, play it back to him and he'd probably look at you like you were wearing a superman costume at a batman convention.... not that I would know how that feels...... 'cause I don't.... STOP STARING AT ME!!!!!!!
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Posted by Rogue09 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 1:57 PM

Oh, and how can you NOT question his sanity about this? He us REALLY getting worked up about ONE of his reviews not being liked? Just change a couple words in his crazy hate speech, play it back to him and he'd probably look at you like you were wearing a superman costume at a batman convention.... not that I would know how that feels...... 'cause I don't.... STOP STARING AT ME!!!!!!!
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Posted by gangsterunicorn2 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 2:26 PM

nerds who need validation for a game they like= epic fail

sess= epic win
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Posted by Ruscle - Thursday, April 3, 2008 4:28 PM

I wonder if adam reads all this stuff....
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Posted by Rogue09 - Thursday, April 3, 2008 10:31 PM

According to his foamy mouthed rant, he pays close indignant attention. (Better whisper!)
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Posted by fightgar - Thursday, April 3, 2008 11:02 PM

keep doing what your doing....i enjoy all your reviews...
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Posted by sfubear - Friday, April 4, 2008 12:12 AM

NO, FORGET THAT, you are wrong Adam this is the best game i have ever played, you are a big fat stupid loser.........lol, not really i don't even have a PSP I just thought it was funny that none of the people who were complaining about the rating Adam does have posted anything like that, so i did for just for laughs. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion, i think most people are just made because they don't get paid to have an opinion on games when Adam does, lol
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Posted by Intranquill - Friday, April 4, 2008 9:27 AM

I didn't see the review, but I agree with what Adam was saying. Reviews are intended to be a shaky guideline, or a small window of information about that game/item. Not a completely win or completely lose situation on the game you so happen to love.

I wish I got paid to pwn whiny girls about games.
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Posted by woodinjww - Friday, April 4, 2008 9:50 AM

Sessler, I totally agree with you here, and I also must say that your Soapbox intro music is superfly. Wicked mint. Bodacious. Keep cluckin' jive turkey!
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Posted by Luxord_X - Friday, April 4, 2008 11:44 AM

Sessler, along with the rest of the X-Play staff, can take a very VERY long walk off of a VERY short pier as far as I'm concerned.

And I'm talking short. Like, y'know, INCHES.
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Posted by evilmario007 - Friday, April 4, 2008 5:01 PM

right on adam! i played final fantasy crisis core and it is not as good as final fantasy fanboys say it is. they mocked you before for giving no more heroes a 5, and i agree with you on that cause thew game is that damn good. wake up people! we all have opinions on games! don't be such fanboys!
trust me if you gave smash bros. a lower score they will be on you more. X play is the best!!
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Posted by darkhiei - Friday, April 4, 2008 9:37 PM

Well I did question there credibility as a reviewers for a bit. I mean they gave plenty of games far worse than Crisis Core a 3. Also reviewers don't just share there opinion, thats stupid no one reads reviews for just someones opinion. Reviews for anything Games, even movies has a type a rubric to follow. I mean take a game like God of War, it does just about everything right, Great Graphics, Great Music, Great Plot, Fun action. But if someone who reviewed it didn't like it because they don't like Greek Mythology and gave it a 3, then thats fail.

Crisis Core offered many good things, Good Story, Awesome Graphics, Good Music, a lot of content. It was repetitive but plenty of games X-Play reviews are repetitive and they give them decent scores.
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Posted by illfeedback - Saturday, April 5, 2008 12:51 PM

i commend you adam. You made an excellent review and even tho you didnt have to you explained your reasons behind it. Although i love to play this game and think it is fun. i believe your review was right on the ball. Every FF fan will buy and fornicate this game while looking at old pics of Tiff(or barret...maybe?) But you stuck to your guns and you should be respected now...So you have earned that small amount of respect from ppl. Good job!
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Posted by MacPhisto - Sunday, April 6, 2008 2:37 AM

When it comes down to it, the only reviews you can really trust are the ones from people who like the same genre of games and have enough experience playing that type of game to recognize the good and bad qualities of one when they see them. Adam has already repeatedly mocked JRPGs and obviously doesn't like playing them, so he can't be objective when reviewing them. I also found it rather ironic that he would be giving his whiny rant right in front of the start screen for Lost Odyssey, yet another RPG that got wrongfully trashed for no reason other than that they just don't like traditional RPGs. If you're going to show genre bias, then at least be "brutally honest" about that too.
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Posted by coolperson - Sunday, April 6, 2008 11:20 AM

What the Final Fantasy fans don't understand is that the score of Crisis Core was directed towards all gamers, not just Final Fantasy fans. X-Play was trying to tell gamers as a whole that it's not a very good game. If I remember correctly, they did point out that fans of Final Fantasy would like it, they were just pointing out with the score that most other gamers wouldn't.
I think the Final Fantasy fans probably only like it because of the good looking cut scenes and the nastalgia it gives them anyway, and those two aspects are not the only things that make a game good and fun for everyone.
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Posted by JackBauer1005 - Monday, April 7, 2008 12:06 PM

Ada should be "The Reviewer" a Morgon coud be his side kick "Chick Awesome" also Adam is right and FF7 was the bst, the spins offs are crap as you can't beat good old FF7 on the Playstation.
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Posted by JackBauer1005 - Monday, April 7, 2008 12:13 PM

i mean Adam not Ada Wong from Resident Evil
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Posted by Masuyo - Wednesday, April 9, 2008 2:52 PM

The whole reason why I love the FF series is for the strategy and thought required to create a successful balance among party members. They took out the party system, made it a slash and cast, and added some cheesy slot machine?

This is pure speculation, but a story must have standards and if it's dry and uninspired then only a fan can truly enjoy it. When a company butchers a franchise with spin-offs it makes me feel like they're catering to a different audience. Also, it's hard to take any of those 9/10 scores seriously. They literally say [one of the cons of the game is the combat system.] What? You said the combat system (which is the actual 'game' part of the video game) is flawed? And you gave this game a 9/10? ....controversial indeed.
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Posted by OBAMAISBUSHpart3 - Thursday, April 10, 2008 8:52 AM

The Final Fantasy series of games i could careless about because i have never played one at all,you feel me? Usually Adam Sessler is right when he says that a video game sucks because video game reviewing is his highly successful career (LOSERS) the last time i checked,you feel me?
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Posted by KorwynKU - Friday, April 11, 2008 1:32 PM

I totally disagree with a 2/5 there, but you have the point Adam. It's just your own personal opinion. You have every right not to like it. And people really talk bad about your mother just for giving this game a bad review? That's WAY out of the line. Still, I am not too happy about most of the recent reviews. Oh but one personal comment though, only you've been working on the same career for 10 years doesn't really mean you are very good at it. So with over 10 years of experiences, you state one opinion it doesn't mean it's the right opinion. But yes you have every right to do it, because after all it's your own opinion. Others can just either believe that you are so domn right or just a crazy guy who doesn't know what he's talking about.
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Posted by OuterHeavenPretender - Friday, April 11, 2008 8:11 PM

I think most gamers are going to buy/play games regardless of what reviewers say, but fans really do want the critics to say that their game is the greatest game on the planet and they do take offense when you dont agree with them. Are they stupid, maybe, to me their just pasionate gamers. Theirs nothing wrong with that. I think this was a personal rant for Adam because you do this for a living and you always get people not agreeing with your reviews. At the end of the day everyone has their own opinions. If you dont like a critics review, thats your opinion, just like a critic's review is their opinion. As long as we love games good or bad, can't that be enough. Can't we all just get along.
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Posted by MJNarcy - Monday, April 14, 2008 9:47 AM

Personally, I'm glad that Adam is willing to give a review that is "not in step" with other reviewers. It means that he's doing his job and not copying off of another reviewer's article. If he did that, he would be ripping off G4, and would not be of any service to any of X-Play's viewers. Cut the man some slack.
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Posted by bolo73 - Monday, April 14, 2008 8:29 PM

Adam, you of all people should know that some fan boys take these reviews badly. Hell, most would get grounded by their parents for such comments since most are not even 18 yet. I, use your reviews as a very good option of the quality of a game. Know I do not always agree with your reviews (about 85% of the time I do) but who agrees with anyone at all the time. I just have different tastes in games so some of the games are not going to be for my type of gaming pallet.

Keep up the good work love watching for the last several years. God we are getting old. I remember the 90's like it was yesterday and then I realize my kid has no freaking clue what 3.5 diskette is. My hair was brown not gray and brown and not retreating like the French.
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Posted by jill_ann007 - Wednesday, April 16, 2008 10:53 AM

Well both Roland Emmerich and Michael Bay have been making films for over 10 years... Does that make these uber-hack "auteurs" good film makers in your opinion?

I don't have a problem with you giving a Final Fantasy game a bad review, and your right a critic should not feel obligated to go along with the general consensus... Honestly I could care less about Final Fantasy...

You see the games themselves are not the issue, at least for me anyway... I just feel that the show (actually the whole network to be honest) has been quite derogatory toward Japanese culture whether that was their intention or not.

p.s. I personally think X-play reviews should be more like Jonathan Rosenbaum and less like "The Film Experts" ;-) Chirs Gore (g4 please bring back Kim Morgan) and Ben Lyons.
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Posted by GonzoGuy - Friday, September 5, 2008 12:23 PM

It doesn't bother me at all when a reviewer gives a game I like (or even a well made game) a poor score. All that'll do is make me rent it (and if I still want it) and buy it later for a cheaper price. And if I already have it and like it, the review is a mute point.
In fact, some of my favorite Zero Punctuation reviews are the ones where he tears apart a game I enjoy because lets face it no game is perfect.

What does bother me is when I pay $50+ for a game that got great scores by EVERYBODY and take it home to find out that it's a tedious mess like No More Heroes; how that got a 5 out of 5 I'll never understand. When that happens it's just disappointing AND a waste of money.

So yes. Rock on Sess & Webb, I'd rather see you under-rating than over-rating.
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Posted by xxx196 - Wednesday, February 4, 2009 3:13 PM

Lol it's ironic that the critic doesn't like being criticized.
i think ppl were mad becuz ur basically telling other ppl who havent played the game that it's bad and they shouldn't buy it, when (in their opinion) its good and they should. i love Crisis Core but that's my opinion.
It seems like Sessler doesn't like Japanese games tho :/
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