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)

Just put up my The Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds Review.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/07/14, 08:46

@sirmastersephiroth
What's the limit?

Posted by

Pokefreak911

on: 01/07/14, 09:46

Pokefreak911 said:

@sirmastersephiroth
What's the limit?

Just checked. 30,000.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/07/14, 10:31

@sirmastersephiroth
Thanks!

Posted by

Pokefreak911

on: 01/07/14, 10:49

I still plan to submit my Animal Crossing review. Maybe even soon like this week, but it's fine I'm going to miss this. Between the podcasts and life I just didn't have it in me to give the game it's due. I need to play catch up with it anyway.

Posted by

DrFinkelstein

on: 01/07/14, 14:00

I'll try to do mine today. We shall see, lol.

Edit: Just wasn't in the cards. Alas I have to forfeit the contest.

I still want to write my review though. Sorry it's been so long past release.

Posted by

DrFinkelstein

on: 01/07/14, 23:07

Edited:

01/08/14, 04:38

@DrFinkelstein I'm eager to read it! I'm actually very interested to see what someone who's played it for months has to say, versus a reviewer who's only spent a week or two with it.

Since I finished my Zelda review, I can continue to write the Top Ten for Animal Crossing that I've been working on with some input from other editors.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/08/14, 05:33

@sirmastersephiroth

The reason I've sat on this is because I have a fun idea that's really unorthodox but I don't quite know how to execute it the right way. If I had just a tad more time I probably could get it done, but Mr_Mustache is right that we can't just prolong this. It's really up to Zero I guess, and maybe he'd like more reviews in the hopper for voting, but I can try to work on it tomorrow. Maybe I'm thinking it has to be super long or epic but really my idea is creative delivery-wise and perhaps my procrastination is not so warranted. I'd start right now but I'm very tired and need to get up early but I do have a lot to say about the game. I do wish I could submit mine for the contest but alas....

I spent the free time I had tonight planning the next Negative World Podcast and Euphonic Podcast with Joe. So at least that work is moving forward.

Posted by

DrFinkelstein

on: 01/08/14, 05:38

Edited:

01/08/14, 05:39

@DrFinkelstein I almost forfeited for the same reason. Between my two jobs and other things, it's kind of hard to keep up your entertainment and I didn't want to rush the review for the contest. I was doing it on my "extra time." I've been sick so I took a few days off work. I decided to just finish my review then.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/08/14, 05:54

Nah just keep at it. I won't have time to set up the review-a-thon stuff until after I do GOTY stuff anyway so might as well keep the deadline open until then.

Posted by

Zero

on: 01/08/14, 09:45

Zero said:

Nah just keep at it. I won't have time to set up the review-a-thon stuff until after I do GOTY stuff anyway so might as well keep the deadline open until then.

There should be a meme Nice Gamer Gary Meme for this.

Posted by

sirmastersephiroth

on: 01/09/14, 07:50

@sirmastersephiroth

Resolved.

Posted by

DrFinkelstein

on: 01/09/14, 14:05

I'm still waiting on a date, I guess my review will come in "indefinitely," or something.

I don't even know if that works there.

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 01/09/14, 23:13

I wouldn't wait on a date, there isn't going to be one. Basically it's going to be like "Anyone else still have something? No? Ok... CLOSED!"

Whoever is the last straggler will maybe get a day or two to produce. And then it's done.

Posted by

Zero

on: 01/09/14, 23:30

@Zero

How many stragglers are there? Someone HAS to be last.

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 01/10/14, 01:28

@Mr_Mustache

You're really over-thinking this. He's not waiting on a straggler, he's waiting till he has time because of the Game of the Year stuff he's handling also. When he's ready to produce this particular thing he'll announce there's a day or two left. Simple.

Maybe I'll be last. Maybe someone else will be.

Posted by

DrFinkelstein

on: 01/10/14, 01:32

@DrFinkelstein

I'm not overthinking, I just like a solid date. I work (personally) based on timelines and what needs addressing first. If reviews aren't due tomorrow, I go about my life doing other things. I did it in school (16 years including college), it worked, I graduated, and here we are. I never went "I got a test next Tuesday, I gotta study." I did what I wanted through the weekend, and then "studied" after my homework on Monday, and a bit before the class on Tuesday. Just the way stuff goes for me (and perhaps that is the way it goes for other people around here, too.)

Posted by

Mr_Mustache

on: 01/10/14, 01:53

@Mr_Mustache

I didn't realize you too were planning to submit a review. I understand your need then.

Still I'm going to get mine in by Saturday to be safe. I can be like you too at times. With school I tended to be earlier on. But sometimes I know shit's just gotta get done before I know the due date, to cover my ass. Due date or not, it's my responsibility.

Posted by

DrFinkelstein

on: 01/10/14, 01:55

Edited:

01/10/14, 02:05

Yeah a hard date would be best, otherwise what happens if the stragglers don't post? Amanda won't be able to submit until at least Saturday.

Posted by

PogueSquadron

on: 01/10/14, 04:33

If they don't post, they don't get in. I don't see why Zero has to decide really. We all should be responsible and just get it done as soon as possible. We knew we should have submitted sooner. It's our responsibility. Mine too. Though if he did give one, it can't hurt.

Posted by

DrFinkelstein

on: 01/10/14, 04:48