Retro Review Contest supported by Razer and GAMER.ru
At GAMER.ru, we often hold contests. We share what we have on our desks, guess games, reminisce about the most memorable gifts, and even draw, but for some reason — we don't write at all. Although author reviews are one of the most popular and sought-after things on the site.
But what exactly should we write about? Should we hold a contest for the best review and end up with dozens of useless posts about MW2, Left4Dead2, Dirt2, and even worse, dull ones like Dark Void and others?
Such content is no better than copy-pasting. Plus, many users aren’t particularly chasing new releases. I know passionate gamers who play exclusively classics. Moreover, they play for 3-4 hours a day.
Therefore, our contest will be special. And I hope, very enjoyable. We will write a review of our favorite game released no later than 2004. This will be a retro-review. A special genre, especially in the gaming industry. I love it dearly but resort to it rarely — after all, there aren’t that many games in the world that touch you so much that even after 7 years — you think about it dreamily and almost with tears in your eyes.
I’ve had quite a few such projects — Gothic 2, Rome: Total War, the third Heroes, Resident Evil 2, Hogs of War, and from more modern titles — Fahrenheit and World in Conflict. But when I recall any of these games — I have more emotions than after completing another modern so-called “masterpiece.” I believe you feel similar emotions.
For those who have never written retro-reviews before — here are a few examples. Just keep in mind, these are among the very first articles from Yaroslav and me. The very first.
Article about Fallout
Article about Mafia
However, that’s not all. Besides the main contest for writers, there will also be a contest for critics. After all, a skilled critique can sometimes be worth more than the article itself. So if you feel up to the task and want to win a prize — it's worth competing.
Let’s move on to the technical part.
All retro-reviews will be published in the “Contests” section, and the title should start with the phrase: “Retro-review of the game *game title* with the support of Razer” and mention the game that the material is dedicated to.
ATTENTION: “review” in this context does not mean you must strictly adhere to this genre. Your material can be an essay, a sketch, a review, or even... an interview with the game’s protagonist. Anything goes, the main thing is to convey the spirit and mood of the game. Or simply, as they say, to touch the readers deeply.
The best work will be evaluated by an editorial jury, which will include 2-3 regular users. The jury will determine who takes first, second, and third places. A viewer voting will also be organized to assist the jury, which the jury may agree with or not.
Critics Contest.
Entries for this contest are accepted in the thread that the author critiques. Before the comment, you should write: “Critics Contest.”
The best critical analysis will be determined by the jury.
I would also like to add that I will participate as well. But out of competition. I will definitely do critical analyses of the winners, as well as two other works that touch me personally.
ABOUT THE SPONSOR AND PRIZES
Our beloved company Razer has agreed to support the contest, which has recently announced that it came to GAMER.ru seriously and for the long haul. This company provided the prizes.
A few words about it for those who, for some reason, haven’t acquired its keyboards, mice, speakers, headphones, mouse pads, and other products yet.
The company **Razer** (Carlsbad, California, USA) is a leader in the industry producing state-of-the-art gaming computer peripherals. The company collaborates with top professional gamers for the design, production, and distribution of high-tech peripherals that provide competitive advantages in gaming. Razer products have received numerous awards and positive feedback worldwide for their high precision, sensitivity, functionality, and product design. Thanks to its pursuit of engineering excellence, Razer's reputation as a leader in gaming technology is supported by every product.
The exclusive distributor in Russia is **Grafitec**
So. The author and critic who takes first place will receive a mouse
It features a Razer Precision(tm) 3G laser sensor with 4000dpi and boasts two modes of operation: wired USB and wireless Bluetooth 2.0, with a lightweight detachable cable of 90 cm or powered by two AA batteries.
Authors taking second and third places will receive a gaming mouse
It features hardware resolution switching and polling rate without additional drivers. Resolution of 3500dpi, with 3 fully programmable buttons.
Additionally, all prize winners will receive a branded T-shirt from the sponsor.
I particularly note that prizes for the winners will be sent within the territory of the Russian Federation and the CIS.
Rules and Deadlines
Start of the retro-review contest — March 26, end — April 26.
Start of the critics contest — March 26, end — April 30.
Only one work is accepted from one author. A critic can critique all works, but not more than once for each piece. Self-promotion is prohibited.
In general, that’s all. Best of luck. We await the first works :)
UPD
After the contest ends, the administration will distribute all posts across game blogs. The works will not remain in this section.
UPD
ATTENTION: the critics contest has been extended by 4 days. The last day for the contest is April 30. The retro-review contest remains unchanged. Until April 26.
This amendment is made so all critics can assess all the works of the contest.