I think most of the reviews here at GB contain the information discussed as being desired in this thread in either a summary paragraph or a list at the end of each review. I like the quick list format so folks can just scan quickly for the points important to them, so that is what I use.

Thanks, Raj,
For the upbeat "You GO girl" and yes, girl is correct! That's why it is sierraMindy instead of sierraindy since sierra is for Sierra Online (all those Quest games) and indy is for LucasArts (Indiana Jones, Monkey Island, The Dig) and my fond memories of all those early good times! But things are getting a lot more ocmplicated these days and that's why some basic categories to help one decide would be nice. I do read the reviews usually, but they often tend to go into detail on the graphics, the sounds, the music, all of which are extras that don't tell me what the game is like. I don't care if I can hear the rain or see the moving waves on the shoreline if I'm bored by mechanical puzzles (so I'm not a Myst fan) and as for music I usually turn it off (Big Exception: Indy Jones and the Fate of Atlantis!) and after reading such reviews I often still don't know if the game is first or third person. Very frustrating.
So categories would be helpful, but how to choose the ones that would explain a game the best since we all have different likes and dislikes. I think that colpet has it right with 3: no action or stealth or combat or timed bits (since these require great reflexes) and 6: logical puzzles vs. inventory and dialogue. Those 2 can make or break a game for me.
Hi looney4labs,
I was too busy typing so missed seeing your post, but you have a point about the short list at the end of some reviews. I'm sure that is where I have finally found out about whether a game is first or third person, but why at the END of a review, better it should be up front while I'm still paying more attention.

Extremely interesting read yall,
and some very good input.
Have to run now,
will chew this over and be back later.
Thanks Raj for startng this thread,
and to all those who have contributed.

Hap-Hap-Happy New Year to one and all!

"I think most of the reviews here at GB contain the information discussed as being desired in this thread in either a summary paragraph or a list at the end of each review. I like the quick list format so folks can just scan quickly for the points important to them, so that is what I use."

Does it for me too !! :thumbsUp12:

The Lost Crown is the 1st one that came to mind here.
I normally play at night, when I'm the only one up,
and if my house would creak I would jump and holler out LOL

Time for a blonde g'ma question :
what's a NPC?

NPC's are non-player characters. If you played Sherlock vs. Jack the Ripper, there were lkots of people in the street to interact with but they were not necessary to finish the game.

Ana

NPC stands for non player character. Any character in the game other than your own or your team.

Sorry Ana, did not see your posting till after I posted mine -- darn those 2nd pages! :redface12:

That really strikes a chord for me!

Thanks Ana & SharonB

How would you classify for instance :
TJ I & TLJ II
IMHO, and disappointingly so...
these would be 2 entirely different games.
So yes, I can see the side for a sub-genre class,
yet the same time I see the Moderator's side
as to time required to staff extra forum divisions.

Ok gang!
Here's the latest...
An Exell or Excell type page that people could always add to, with categories as have been suggested here.

Where people disagree, like when a game should be action or action adventure, take a poll.

I DO NOT want to add this to the already fine tasks the mods do, but I will be as helpful as I can and I envision it as a members' labor of love.

Katbear50, I totally agree with you. What was supposed to be TLJ 2 was a disaster. I just hope Jonathan Boakes never falls into the same dark fall.

"I DO NOT want to add this to the already fine tasks the mods do, but I will be as helpful as I can and I envision it as a members' labor of love."

Where would this spreadsheet live, then ??

I still think playing a game one's self is the only proper test - as one person's definition of what a thing is or isn't will not always be the same as another's.

So no matter how detailed the spreadsheet might become it wouldn't do for me

Good point, Mad, s'pose that is really the only true test.

Just a key legend would do, FP/3RDP/PNC etc.

FP = First person
3RDP = 3rd person
PNC = Point and click

etc.

Say limit of 5 keys to use as there wouldnt be enough room next to the titles for more i think. Colour code them also.