In all honesty, I'm tired of the use of "repetitive" when it's listed as a flaw for a game.  I must admit, I'm guilty of using it myself but I'd love for this to be rectified.  You see, using "repetitive" is rather vague and counterproductive for getting the message across.  For example; Jumping in a platforming game can be seen as repetitive, as well as leveling up in a RPG or moving on-rails in a shoot-em up.  They're not flaws, they're game mechanics. 

I know repetitive is often used in a review to describe performing the same task over and over again but this is a very recurring theme in just about every game in existence.  I'd love for people to be more specific.  For example, using tedious instead of repetitive.  I can definitely see the flaw in performing the same tasks over and over when they feel like work and therefore aren't fun.

Just my thoughts.

I think reviewers just use the term 'repetitive' with the same meaning as a lack of variety.

I agree. Being repetitive is not necessarily a bad thing if what you are doing over and over is fun. On the other hand, being monotonous is not pleasurable at all.

Yeah, but I've gotten used to it. Reviewers are subject to fashion like everyone else, and they're always looking for the hot new transparent excuse to underrate Wii games. 'Repetitive' is the latest fashion.

Yeah, I feel the same way because pretty much every game ever made is repetitive ... Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I dont see how people can get annoyed at this though, its not really a big deal lol

That's basically what I said earlier.

A lack of variety is not a flaw in itself.  If it does come off as monotonous, that seems to be where the problems set in.

Maybe Wii games with gesture-centric gameplay seem more repetitive because they require doing the same arm motion over again as supposed to pressing one several buttons, triggers, etc. over again.

Repetition is not necessarily a bad thing, I agree. However, when things start to feel repetitive it is. When the thought 'So I'm doing this yet again' enters your head while playing, it's a sign of something not being quite right. And things can be tedious without being or feeling repetitive, so I'm not sure that word is a great replacement.

Perhaps you do have a point however. Simply using the existing templets for writing about video games might not be such a great idea at all times. The information the reader seeks might be lost in all the clichés.

every game is repetitive so i really don't understand where reviewers come up with it being a flaw. halo 3 is repetitive because all your doing is shooting massive amounts of covenant but on different levels. modern warfare 2 multiplayer is repetitive because your shooting the same style but using different guns and just shooting at different people with different skill levels.

jrpgs are repetitive because all you do is level up and do side quests and sports games are repetitive because all your doing is playing the same formula of a sport but against a different team.

the word "tedious" does sound better but none of those words personally should be used and judged on a game merits.

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