Reviews, how do you use them?

[adriane23]

miz1q2w3e said:

adriane23 said:
Once in a while, I'll skim through a review to see if the reviewer mentions the length of them game. Other than that, I avoid them like herpes.

http://www.howlongtobeat.com/game.php?id=3676

OT, I used to hold reviews and metascores in such high regard, but there were too many games I enjoyed with low metas, and vice versa. I don't really look at them nowadays. When they mention bad things in reviews it just draws my attention to them, diminishing my experience. When they highlight the good parts, it usually spoils the surprise.

How do I decided on a purchase? If I'm a fan of the series, I'll get it without much research, although a bit is required to avoid Paper Mario-like situations. Otherwise I might just watch a brief video of the game. I also look to friends with similar tastes for recommendations.

And now reviews are completely dead to me.