Basically, it is a Negative World review writing competition with free prizes! I'm mostly just going to copy and paste from last year's stuff, because barring any objections, I plan to run it the same way. It... worked... last time, right?!



What is it?

Negative World will be running a competition for review writers. Basically... write and submit a review for Negative World, and you're in! However, there are going to be two minor stipulations:

1. It must be a game that has not been reviewed on Negative World yet.
2. Whoever calls a game first, gets dibs on that game. You can only have "dibs" on one game at a time though, and I will keep an updated list in this thread.

NOTE: This contest is for Negative World members only. However, it is free and only takes about a minute to join us, so why not go for it?

What is the deadline?

All reviews submitted between right now and midnight (Pacific) January 1st, 2014, that follow the above stipulations, will be eligible. Of course, they must be for a game on a Nintendo console. From the classics to the virtual console (virtual console games on non-Nintendo platforms ok!) to the Wii U... anything goes!

Who can enter?

All members of Negative World! Members at level -2 and down can already write reviews. If you are -1 and would like to enter, let me know, and I will hook it up.

...except Zero. We hate that guy, so his reviews will not be eligible.

Don't get overly concerned about whether you are a "good enough" writer. If you're interested, get involved! Try your best! That's all we're asking!

How many entries can I make?

Hmm... let's say... 3? This is a soft limit though, if you really want to do more, just ask. Please make sure to keep the length and quality level at your best though, these are public reviews for our site. If we notice anyone just knocking out reviews left and right without much effort put into them, we may have to... say something. Besides, you probably won't win anything with a sloppy review.

However, as stated above, don't worry too much about your own skill level as a writer. Just try your best!

How will winners be determined?

1 winner for "best review" will be selected by you, the people of Negative World. We will work out exactly how based on how many entries there are. But it will involve a voting process using the polls. This will happen regardless of the number of entries, so if you are the only entry... you win!

IF we get at least 10 entries, 1 winner for "Zero's choice" will be selected by Zero because he has the power and it is his money being used for the prizes. He may include the other moderators in this decision. May.

More prizes may be announced in the future depending on the popularity of this contest.

What are the prizes?

Considering that neither Wii U or 3DS allows gifting, we'll have to think about this. Maybe I'll just buy a few eShop cards and email the codes to the winners? That could work. Prizes will be at least $10, probably more considering that I don't think there are $10 eShop cards.

How do I write a review?

If you are level -2 or below, it's easy! Just go HERE and search for the game that you would like to review, and then click on the title in the results. If the game is not in the database, you can add it using the "submit a game" form at the top right of the main database page. Anyone level -1 will have to let me know you are interested, as stated above.

You should also use the new file upload page to upload any images related to the review you will be writing. I will frown heavily upon anyone who does not use this.

SUGGESTION: I strongly suggest to write your review outside of Negative World (I use Google Drive, but you can just use Microsoft Word or something if you want), SAVE FREQUENTLY, and then copy and paste it in when you are ready to submit it. Otherwise, if the server hiccups when you submit, you may lose everything. That would suck, no?

What format should the review be?

We do not have a strict format for reviews, but prefer freeform reviews, with no "headers" for sections. If you're afraid of having a wall of text, break it up with images! We prefer that at least 1 or 2 images / videos / etc. be placed within the review (use the file upload page to upload and manage your images!)

How do I know if a game has been reviewed yet?

Just go to the review add page and search for the game that you would like to review. If the game has already been reviewed it will inform you under the column "reviews" in the results of the search, if not, it will be blank. If the game is not in the database, it has obviously not been reviewed yet, and you can add it using the directions above.

Can I review a game that I have already played long ago?

Sure! We are hoping to get some more "modern" reviews, but anything is fine. Just make sure to refresh yourself on it if you have not played it in awhile.

How do I call "dibs" on a game?

Just post your intention to review a game in this thread. First come, first serve. Make sure to mention the platform as well as the game name. You can change your dibs at any time, but if so, you lose dibs on the old game. Obviously, when you submit a review for a game that you had dibs on, you are now free to call dibs on another.

Do I have to call "dibs" on a game?

No, you don't have to call dibs, you can just submit what you want when you want if you like. However, if you don't call dibs and someone else gets to it first (either by calling dibs or releasing a review) then you're plain out of luck. For all of those involved, it is probably best to take advantage of the dibs system.

Last year's winners!

In the voting, we had a tie, so there were two winners...

Mr_Mustache for his review of Batman: Arkham City: Armored Edition and
TriforceBun for his review of Nintendo Land

But of course, that's not all! There was also a special Zero's Choice Award to give out! The winner was...

roykoopa64 for his review of Nano Assault Neo

So if you want to win this year, check these reviews out, they'll point you in the right direction!

"Dibs" list
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate (3DS) - deathly_hallows
Crystalis (NES) - chrisbg99
Professor Layton and the Last Specter (DS) - Amanda (username coming soon)
Rayman Legends (Wii U) - ludist210
The Legend of Zelda (NES) - Secret_Tunnel

Finished list
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS) - DrFinkelstein
Babysitting Mama - Kris Wright
Batman (NES) - Mr_Mustache
Bike Rider DX (3DS) - Super_Conzo
Jeopardy! (Wii) - poguesquadron
Pokemon X / Y (3DS) - Pokefreak911
Super Mario 3D World (Wii U) - poguesquadron
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS) - sirmastersephiroth
Wheel of Fortune (Wii) - poguesquadron

Zero list (not officially in the competition)
I'll give you all a bit of time to pick first.

URL to share (right click and copy)

@Zero

Aren't we supposed to start voting on January 1st?

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 12/25/13, 23:30

Nah... I'm pretty sure last year we extended the date a few weeks. We'll be too busy voting for GOTY stuff early January anyway.

Posted by

Zero

on: 12/26/13, 06:12

Yeah mine will definately not be ready by Jan 1st but I will try to get it in during that week or early into the next one.

Posted by

Pokefreak911

on: 12/30/13, 04:16

Zero said:

Nah... I'm pretty sure last year we extended the date a few weeks. We'll be too busy voting for GOTY stuff early January anyway.

Good. I'm almost done but I don't want to rush it to meet the deadline.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 12/30/13, 21:41

So what's the deadline then??

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 12/31/13, 01:09

Apparently there is no hard deadline anymore. Should be soon though. Extend it a week to the 7th? We need to get a sense of who is actually still working on stuff they plan to release and how far along they are though.

Posted by

Zero

on: 12/31/13, 01:37

@Zero

You need to make one, or people will be pushing this thing to April. If they're in after that, they can wait until next year. You gave more than enough notice to everyone. If you want to make it the 7th, don't make it "the 7th?," make it "the 7th."

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 12/31/13, 01:56

@Zero 7th sounds great. I have everything written except for the gameplay section. But that's outlined, so I just need to elaborate. I also need to get the media.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 12/31/13, 02:38

@Mr_Mustache No. Flexible finish line for the win.

But everyone should know that the pressure is on and we're going to cut them off soon enough so... they should really shoot for the 7th.

Posted by

Zero

on: 12/31/13, 09:29

@Zero

I might be maybe kinda almost ready by the 9th. I think..

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 01/01/14, 07:49

Damn I thought I made it at the last second. Uploaded my Mario 3D World Review yesterday.

Posted by

PogueSquadron

on: 01/02/14, 05:17

Updated the OP. Do we really only have 4 official entries so far?! Who else is planning on finishing?

Posted by

Zero

on: 01/03/14, 22:56

Zero said:

Updated the OP. Do we really only have 4 official entries so far?! Who else is planning on finishing?

Me.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/03/14, 23:59

I plan on finishing, just need to get in the right mood.

Posted by

Pokefreak911

on: 01/04/14, 02:03

SissileMissile(Amanda) is "unclaiming" Last Specter and claiming Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask.

Posted by

PogueSquadron

on: 01/04/14, 05:10

I'm almost done with my review. I have a new computer and lost the files for the gift making programs so I have to use some online tools for that.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/06/14, 03:08

Gotta love that floating finish line!

I plan on doing a review still, but with seemingly unlimited time, and others in no rush and/or an improper mood, I can do other things until then. Apparently. For instance, I played an entire EC Week of Breath of Fire II today, and read comics in the middle when I could've been typing.

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 01/06/14, 10:11

This won't be finished by the 7th, i'll be away from the computer for a day or so.

Posted by

Pokefreak911

on: 01/06/14, 11:40

So we're all agreed there will be bonus votes for handing in early, yes? And also for being the most... ahem... compact?

Fantastic decision, team.

Posted by

Super_Conzo

on: 01/06/14, 15:19

I didn't know there was a character limit on content. Must trim 109 characters.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/07/14, 07:44