First Review

[siread]

1 out of 10. 1 out of 10!!! I nearly spat my tea out. In all the reviews over all the years since my first game World Cup Manager, I've never received such shameful score.

http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/content/review-new-star-tennis/

The first points that jump to mind are...
1) The reviewer is using the keyboard to play a sports game. He is a games reviewer writing for a very slick, respectable gaming site and he doesn't own a joypad?
2) He complains about a minor bug despite the fact that he was playing a beta version (at least I assume he knows that version 0.93 means he isn't playing the final version.)
3) He wants to be able to compete with Federer at the start of his career. WTF? Does he understand that this is a career game?

Anyway, I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with him.

[chernij]

I disagree strongly:

1) You're right about the keyboard thing - in fact, I play using a keyboard and I find it fine.

2) The bugs about running off court etc. are very rare, in my experience.

3) I play tennis, and usually you have to run to the ball and get into position, THEN you aim. Like in this game. He's just rubbish, obviously. Maybe he started on Hard.

4) I have Top Spin 3; you have to play 100 matches to get enough XP to get good. I think I'd rather play mini-games. 20 times isn't too bad - that's only 7 weeks of training to get 10 stars if you're good enough. The way he words that sentence on the half star thing, he'd rather have a star per mini-game and have it out of 20 stars. Maybe that'll cheer him up.

5) His computer must be pretty rubbish if the game crashes; I'm using a 3-year-old laptop with 128Mb inbuilt graphics and 2Gb RAM... and that manages to run it fine. I'm sure his computer would be better.

6) 'As if you've never played tennis before': Last time I checked, when you start a career game, you start with NOTHING. It wouldn't be very challenging having Federer's stats at the beginning of the game, would it? And when you start with nothing you have the sense of pride when you beat someone with much better stats than yourself. Obviously, he doesn't want this.

7) He seems to forget this is made by one person; not a whole production team like Virtua Tennis.

That's just my 2 cents.

[chernij]

I basically copied this onto a comment on the review page - can't wait for a response.

[hellboy1975]

Seems a pretty harsh score to me. I will say though that I personally think this is my least favorite NS game I've played, mainly due to frustration with controls/camera angles. Personally I'd rate it about a 6/10.

[felipe1337]

WTF?! is that guy crazy?

[Cookie Monster]

I just posted an angry comment about his reviewing methods. I won't disclose that I moderate the forum of the game though, even though that had no weight on what I think. I'd give the game 8/10.

[Cookie Monster]

Oh come on... now they're saying that they deemed 0.91 or 0.93 or whatever testing version to be the final one. I'm happy they took a step backwards and decided to see if 1.00 is the final version though. But, as I said,


Sure, you may have been sent 0.91 or 0.93 or whatever version for testing but the point is that the version that was put up for sale was 1.00, not 0.93 or 0.91 or whatever version prior to that one. Simon Read is not selling the testing versions, he’s selling the final versions. I think it’d be obvious that’s the case because well, it wasn’t version 1.00, and as game reviewers, you should be aware of the conventions used for version numbering.

[chernij]

Oh come on... now they're saying that they deemed 0.91 or 0.93 or whatever testing version to be the final one. I'm happy they took a step backwards and decided to see if 1.00 is the final version though. But, as I said,

Thanks for backing me up there :)
I hope they do review the 1.0 version and change their review accordingly. It's just ridiculous to be honest.

[PepesuperSCP47]

1 out of 10. 1 out of 10!!! I nearly spat my tea out. In all the reviews over all the years since my first game World Cup Manager, I've never received such shameful score.

http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/content/review-new-star-tennis/

The first points that jump to mind are...
1) The reviewer is using the keyboard to play a sports game. He is a games reviewer writing for a very slick, respectable gaming site and he doesn't own a joypad?
2) He complains about a minor bug despite the fact that he was playing a beta version (at least I assume he knows that version 0.93 means he isn't playing the final version.)
3) He wants to be able to compete with Federer at the start of his career. WTF? Does he understand that this is a career game?

Anyway, I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with him.

You gotta be kidding me, are sure that guy is realy a computer/games expert who works for a review. I don't belive it, I just don't. Heshould at least what beta means, no????????? I even escuse him the fact that he is using a keyboard, but I just can't saythe same about the fact that he wants to compete against Federer in carrer game!!!!!!!!!!
Now really, someone should give that guy a lesson about playing games....
Si for you I give 7 in 10, for him -1 in 10!!!!! :wall::wall::wall: /sarcasm for the clapping :clap:

[Thor]

The guy probably is a kid (about 20) who's been having mega-cool-asskicking computer and who's been always playing games full of special effects. Don't demand too much from a retarded Intel-kid, pampered by parents, and spoiled by mega-great-but-by-the-way-shallow productions...
In Poland we call such people neo-kids...

[statto]

I think this should be a lesson to not give beta releases to reviewers. I know as an indie game developer you need the press, but v1.02 is so much better than v0.93 and that was what, a week's delay?

EDIT: Not only that, it's the bloke's first review for the site...

[Elroy619]

What review did NSS1 get?

[west_ham_ 4_life]

@ Nando - Obviously better ;)

:blimey: I'm shocked! 1 out of 10??? What a joke. Don't worry Si, i think the game is fantastic, and it shouldn't be long before good reviews star pouring in.

[PepesuperSCP47]

They were a lot hard on you Si, still you shouldn't have given them a beta version....

[LewisResolution]

It was brought to our attention yesterday that the version we received for review purposes was not indicative of the quality of the final product.

As such, we have amended the review and score (http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/content/review-new-star-tennis/). There's an explanation of what happened here (http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/content/just-to-clarify-the-new-star-tennis-review/).

Thanks,
Lewis Denby
Editor
Resolution Magazine

[PepesuperSCP47]

Still 2 in 10 are you kidding??????????????????

[Cookie Monster]

This website is absolutely ridiculous and unbelievable - it's such a shame that we can't forbid people from reading the review. I've already made my points clear once more (and btw nice writing 'John', if you're there) and I hope they'll think about the game again but honestly I wouldn't hold much hope out for this website.

[siread]

As far as I know this is the second review of NST...

http://captaind-pc-gaming.blogspot.com/2010/01/pc-game-review-new-star-tennis.html

Much more balanced I hope you'll agree. :)

[BBS]

Although I'm a big supporter of NSG (especially NSS) I think I should respect every (constructive) critique about NSG releases (even if they are a bit disappointing). I suppose that it will be very difficult to “FORBID people reading the review”, especially since there is a basic right called freedom of speech...
Perhaps with some work dedicated to each one of NSG, in this particular case NSTennis (instead “FORBID people reading the review”) we will be able to prove that this negative review was totally wrong...

[west_ham_ 4_life]

Although I'm a big supporter of NSG (especially NSS) I think I should respect every (constructive) critique about NSG releases (even if they are a bit disappointing). I suppose that it will be very difficult to “FORBID people reading the review”, especially since there is a basic right called freedom of speech...
Perhaps with some work dedicated to each one of NSG, in this particular case NSTennis (instead “FORBID people reading the review”) we will be able to prove that this negative review was totally wrong...

i think the negative review only came because of the reviewer playing one of the beta versions.

that review is definately more accurate than the first one. seven out of ten; not bad.

[markohladnik]

Now that's a proper review. Balanced and fair, I completely agree with it after dedicating a week to the game, and considering the latest version. When you make the improvements the reviewer suggests (same as the ones we're discussing here on the forum, actually), it is going to be worth 8/10. Great for the first indie tennis game developed by a single person, and a wonderful basis for New Star Tennis 2.0 ;)

[Cookie Monster]

Although I'm a big supporter of NSG (especially NSS) I think I should respect every (constructive) critique about NSG releases (even if they are a bit disappointing). I suppose that it will be very difficult to “FORBID people reading the review”, especially since there is a basic right called freedom of speech...
Perhaps with some work dedicated to each one of NSG, in this particular case NSTennis (instead “FORBID people reading the review”) we will be able to prove that this negative review was totally wrong...

Perhaps I expressed my ideas wrongly, but the point I was trying to get to is that the review is blalantly wrong, and that's not saying enough.

[PepesuperSCP47]

Now I'm a psychic, 'cause I said it was a 7in 10 and it is....WOW for me!!!!!!!!
Still Iknew it was a -1 in 10 for the guys in that site, and I was correct!!!!!!!!
What do you want me to predict next?????????

[Thor]

The second review is a good piece of writing (his ideas are simmilar to those written on this forum :P).

[BBS]

i think the negative review only came because of the reviewer playing one of the beta versions.Maybe you are right.
As some people said before in this thread, I can't see the advantage of sending a very early version of a game project to get a review. In my opinion, we should promote the game just when it becomes more solid and balanced.
But we shouldn't forget that the reviewer tried again another (later) version. Therefore, I think we should retire a lesson of this - it's a bit ingenuous forgetting that's not enough just releasing a NEW title to get automatically general approval. It needs, at least, the necessary quality/charm, become balanced and free of bugs as possible.

But as I said before, I believe with some work and dedication this game will get general approval as all NSG usually deserves (obviously, after doing all the required work supported by the great NSG community and Simon).

[statto]

But we shouldn't forget that the reviewer tried again another (later) version. Therefore, I think we should retire a lesson of this - it's a bit ingenuous forgetting that's not enough just releasing a NEW title to get automatically general approval. It needs, at least, the necessary quality/charm, become balanced and free of bugs as possible.

Less than 24 hours after an editor said he was re-reviewing it, the new review was up. I strongly doubt the reviewer thoroughly replayed the game.

[BBS]

Less than 24 hours after an editor said he was re-reviewing it, the new review was up. I strongly doubt the reviewer thoroughly replayed the game.Yeah, I also believe that.
But when I type "NEW title" I was referring to a new game (not an update).

[Cookie Monster]

Less than 24 hours after an editor said he was re-reviewing it, the new review was up. I strongly doubt the reviewer thoroughly replayed the game.

He gave evidence of the latter by saying he didn't bother buying a new license key when that wasn't necessary, and that means he didn't play the game thoroughly enough to see that after the 10th week the game wouldn't ask for the key.

[PepesuperSCP47]

There is a point CM, we should say something to those guys on their site, again!!!!
Btw that guy must love to spend money, to buy a key when ia's not necessary.....

[Cookie Monster]

The problem is that he didn't bother buying one, he didn't even bother playing the game for long enough to prove himself wrong and see that the game didn't need a new license key and that's what bothers me.

[PepesuperSCP47]

Of this two, one:
Or he is trying to screw you, Si, for some reason we don't know
Or he just too proud to admit he was completely wrong, and that might be why he only added one point on the review......
Now choose the one that makes more sense........:think:

[Cookie Monster]

The second, I mean, Simon's a lovely chap, what harm can such a cutie do?!

Alright, I'll let the weirdness aside. I choose the second option because we're all too proud deep down ;)

[chernij]

Where does it say about the license key?

[Cookie Monster]

As a result of the email from New Star Games, however, along with a number of comments on the review itself, we decided to take a look at the release version. We contacted New Star Games for a copy, but did not receive a response. As such, we downloaded the demo version of the game (which is version 1.0 - the review version was 0.93). Thomas noticed considerable differences between the stability of the two builds, but no differences in terms of content, leading to our decision not to purchase a copy of the full game in order to run a re-review. For the record, if there had been differences in both stability and content, that’s what we would have done.

http://resolution-magazine.co.uk/content/just-to-clarify-the-new-star-tennis-review/

[chernij]

Ahhh ok, thanks :)

[statto]

Si -

Enjoying the new version. I admittedly started a new game just to run some simulations and the algorithm is working excellently! For instance, the top players do lose but it's usually a fight. A lot of the matches near the end of the tournament go at least four sets and upsets are fairly rare.

An odd side effect of this though is there are a lot of players who just aren't getting any points. They're ranked greater than 100 and don't have a lot of opportunities to win, given the odds are stacked against them because they are weaker... this probably signifies you need an algorithm to put the better players (probably by ranking and not skill level) into the higher-earning tournaments?

[markohladnik]

Hear hear :)

[siread]

Another review: 7/10. :)
http://aperturegames.com/review.php?id=new-star-tennis

[szenti]

nice review, and i have to say that better sounds and online play would definitely make it at least 9/10 :D

[Cookie Monster]

Reading these reviews makes me wanna laugh at those guys from Resolution honestly :lol:

[west_ham_ 4_life]

yeah, i dont know WHAT those guys were smoking the day they wrote the review :P

[kildan]

Hello everyone :)

I haven't been logging into this site for ages, but now I just had to... :)

siread Let The Highest God bless You for this amazing game of tennis, for me personally the best game realead from your company New Star Games xD

I'm really really grateful for including this beautiful sport discipline like tennis in "New Star Hero" category scheme...

I must add that I've been training tennis in my local club for about 10 years already and in this way Im especially devoted and linked with some realistic products which appear just like New Star Tennis Game :)

The game is brilliant and has huge playability. You chose a good direction mate and we dont have arcade game as many other products like that but very realistic simulator with curving balls, different serve styles, tactic what's most important on the court during battles! If someone has some experience with this game, he should be satisfied.

I suggest, that you should add more features and options in the game in new versions, whose I think, everyone here expects :) Think about adding some trainers during developing own career who could help player in achieving some goals, different sort of equipment for each player. Generally speaking widen possibilities to drive player through the whole career and some elemenths of management maybe? ;) Think about it when you develop this great game

Best Regards

kildan

[siread]

Thanks Kildan. There will be lots of improvements sometime before the Wimbledon tournament begins. :)

[ss_dennis]

ok now i totaly disagree with that review score..2 out of 10 is harsh..
simon karting and dart game is awesome.u can include them for nss5..like casino or horce racing maybe you can make an social life cafe where we can drink,play dart,search for girlfriends(no more random girls)..

karting also gives me a clue that u may include a mini driving game for nss5 when player buys a car..it is cool,hard but cool..

buying stuff is great.still "super car,car,boat" lacks of depth but can be improved

graphics are looking better.also running and turning animations are good.much mooooreee better than nss4..

horce racing looks great!

weekly planing is good idea.but for nss5 lets make it daily or at least 3 days.i mean if u decide to make it the same as in nst

i give you 7/10 nice game.but u have to improve it for nst 2 ;)

[siread]

Another review. Another accolade... :P

http://unnamedgaming.com/?p=11119

[Cookie Monster]

Excellent stuff there, excellent advertising, excellent writing, excellent opinion, excellent game. Keep it up Si :)

[west_ham_ 4_life]

fantastic review si! it goes to show how wrong the first review was :lol: