Reviewing the Reviewers

It's a old stereotype that most game players are kids, yet when it comes to reviewing, that belief is still held by the producers of X-Play and Electric Playground. This is particularly discouraging since there are so few programs about games to choose from.

X-Play is hosted by Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb. Their reviews are done as voice-overs, which are good. But these segments are bridged by the two hosts not only introducing the next review, but "entertaining" us with their comedic talents. It's unfortunate, since Adam's idea of humour is to throw fake temper tantrums; he clenches his fists and whines. (This is especially embarrassing since his ability to improvise dialogue is slower than the speed at which he stamps his feet.) In other words, Adam is acting like a seven-year-old, exactly the age too many people assume gamers to be.

Maybe the producers of X-Play are simply doing whatever they can to maximize their audience. Morgan and her tight t-shirts pull in the older male viewers, while Adam and his hissy fits are meant to pull in the younger crowds. But if they're really looking for a larger audience, why aren't they doing anything to pull in older female gamers? Are they assuming another stereotype, that all gamers are male?

What's really disturbing is that Adam isn't the worst host on TV. Electric Playground/Judgment Day/Reviews on the Run are hosted by Victor Lucas and Tommy Tallarico. Victor is a friendly, easy-going, thoughtful reviewer. Tommy is a complete jackass.

Viewers sometimes complain about Tommy being too harsh in his scoring of games. But this isn't a major problem. The old "good cop, bad cop" routine can be quite effective (especially when the bad cop is brandishing a telephone book). There are other things that make Tommy so ineffectual:

Article Author: Paul De Angelis

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