How Do You Use Metacritic?

[binary solo]

If I used Metacritic I wouldn't have bought and played several games that I actually liked, including the Order, and to a lesser extent Knack. Though I did wait until Knack was particularly cheap.

I think the main way I use Metacritic is to see how well it meets my expectations for how a game will review. I expected somewhat harsh treatment of The Order and it pretty much got it. It got mixed reviews and mixed word of mouth. Most critics who gave the game middling scores (6-7.5) had nice things to say about it other than just pretty graphics, and they wanted a sequel, for the most part.

I kind of had low expectations for Shadow of Mordor. But the game reviewed a lot better than I thought. But also word of mouth was very good.

I tend not to read any old reviews. I target reviewers who I think are trustworthy. For all the shit some people like to give Jim Sterling I trust him to call it how he sees it, and if I don't agree with him I still value the independence of his opinion. He appears to me to love games but hate the games industry, which is kind of the best sort of perspective for a critic because that sort of person isn't going to try to suck up to anyone.

Zero punctuation I like as well, and Yahtzee isn't on metacritic.

I think mostly I go on the opinions of non-reviewer gamers.