The tale of GameSpot's vanishing LocoRoco review

by Ross Miller { Jul 17th 2006 at 1:55PM }

One observant Joystiq reader noticed that a GameSpot review for LocoRoco, with a score of 7.7, went up and then quickly went M.I.A. As GameSpot does not generally re-review games, we contacted GameSpot's Alex "gut-punch" Navarro for the definitive word on the matter:

We did indeed have a review of LocoRoco up for the GameSpot UK site, since the game is out there. However, we're still in the process of forming a definitive policy with regards to GameSpot UK and reviews, and the decision was made to hold off on the review until the North American version hits. Unfortunately, this decision was made after the review went up, hence the confusion.

So basically, it's not a matter of us changing the score or anything like that. We just decided to skip out on reviewing the import version and will revisit the game when the US version comes out.

Upon further pestering inquiry, Navarro revealed that the phantom LocoRoco review may never see the light of day. "As of right now," he said, "the best way to describe it is that there is no review for LocoRoco at this time." GameSpot will review the US version of the game and publish that review when they receive it to "see if any content has been added/ changed/ removed and so on and so forth." Look for that closer to its LocoRoco's US release in September.

[Thanks, Zell]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Clint @ Jul 17th 2006 2:07PM

I want this game for my PSP! I hope they release it for the PS3 so I can use that new controller!!!!!!!!!!!!

Conrad Quilty-Harper @ Jul 17th 2006 2:08PM

I don't know why Gamespot is relying on Joystiq to explain why they've withdrawn the review.

UncleGuito @ Jul 17th 2006 2:14PM

Also because the review blew. Grading a game down because it's a bit too short? Who the hell does that.

VaultedCeilings @ Jul 17th 2006 2:29PM

@3

Actually people blast games for length all the time. Not saying that Loco Roco isn't excellent, but I can probably think of a dozen games that had their reviews affected by their length.

MookieFL @ Jul 17th 2006 2:31PM

How useful are game reviews, really? Renting games takes all the risk out of purchasing these days. Unless something gets 10/10 or 1/10, the middle is so subjective it hardly matters. A AAA title is going to get between 7 and 9 on every website--what's the difference? If it's terrible, it'll only get a 6.

JPRacer @ Jul 17th 2006 2:39PM

So, Europeans must wait for their review because the US said so. Why they just don't put the GS UK review on the US site if they don't want to do 2 reviews.

Crushed @ Jul 17th 2006 2:40PM

GameSpot won't change their score.

Best example? Metroid Prime Hunters. The reviewer thought that there was only one multiplayer mode that's online, when there are actually six. He missed 11 multiplayer maps. He thought one of the character's special abilities was a glitch, even though reading the manual (or playing as that character in multiplayer) tells you that it's a special ability. Considering that multiplayer, especially online multiplayer, was obviously the main focus of the game, it's obvious he wasn't thorough at all in his review.

When gamers who knew better emailed GameSpot, they took the review down, only to send it up hours later with one or two sentences changed, an added apology, but retaining the exact same score.

If missing the overwhelming majority of multiplayer options in a multiplayer-based game doesn't make GameSpot re-evaluate their scores, then reviewing the European version of a game certaintly won't. Expect the LocoRoco review for NA to be a remixed version of the old one.

Chris @ Jul 17th 2006 3:01PM

I'm sorry -- I need to call bull**** on this.

What is the point of them spinning up a UK version of the website if the UK folks aren't allowed to review games as they are released in the UK?

If I remember correctly, the *VERY REASON* that Gamespot UK was launched is to better serve the audience and release dates in the European market. Wouldn't releasing a review of the UK release WHEN it's released in the UK be exactly serving the European market in the way they intend with Gamespot UK?

No, I expect this all stems from an editorial difference of opinion with the US electing to trump the UK. So, *I* predict that there will be an entirely different review *AND* an entirely different rating for this title that the US folks (especially uber-fan Carrie) are going gaga for. And if its not this scenario than it is a case of the US Gamespot folks deciding that the UK team can't be trusted to review 'important' releases..

Whatever the case... something strikes me as not quite right..

phillytim @ Jul 17th 2006 3:06PM

Honestly, LocoRoco would be best with a motion sensor control! Whether on the Wii or a DS/PSP with add-in motion sensor card!

djsyndrome @ Jul 17th 2006 3:15PM

"What is the point of them spinning up a UK version of the website if the UK folks aren't allowed to review games as they are released in the UK?"

Because unless it's a football or rally racing game of some sort, chances are that the game would have already come out in the US first. Gamespot was unprepared to deal with a high-profile title coming out in the UK first, and it shows ;)

lee @ Jul 17th 2006 5:36PM

i bet sony is forcing everyone to give it excellent reviews, and forced them to take down that review as they didn't deem it good enough

MookieFL @ Jul 17th 2006 5:53PM

Actually, I saw the review in question, and unless my memory completely fails me (which it very well might), the review was written by Jeff Gerstmann...not anyone from the "UK Team," if there is such a thing.

Brock @ Jul 17th 2006 11:28PM

The game is great. It's simple, sleek and very fun and addictive. With a LOT of extra features not included in the demo. This is a true gem of the PSP and possibly my favorite game if not the most unique game for the PSP so far. The game gets a solid 9 in my book (and i'm hard on video games).

GJ @ Jul 18th 2006 9:08AM

The only reason there is a uk branded Gamespot to better serve sponsers and provide uk centric advertising. This whole 'review' thing shows thats all its for. Its all about the moolah and nothing else

Jason @ Jul 28th 2006 10:31AM

If you didn't get to see it, here it is (nothing ever dies with google around):

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:e7dctC-qGMUJ:www.gamespot.com/psp/action/locoroco/review.html%3Fpage%3D1%26sid%3D6154011+site:http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/locoroco/review.html%3Fmode%3Dgsreview&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=3&client=safari

HardwareLust @ Jul 28th 2006 6:14PM

Thanks, Jason.

But, just doing some minimal browsing, in about 5 seconds I found no less than 19 other reviews of the game... so that begs the question, who gives a crap if LameSpot pulls their review?? There's plenty of other opinions out there, and some of them by people who actually can review a game.

Jonny Austin @ Jul 31st 2006 6:11AM

I used to freelance for Gamespot. Did a review for Final Fantasy VIII - which I didn't like much - and gave it (I think) a 6.

Lo and behold after a few months my review vanished from the face of planet to be replaced with the current review - a typically american "woooo, this game is amazing!!!!1111" with a score of 9.5...hmmm

They do re-review games, if a powerful enough publisher demands it. Now there's a site you can trust eh.