We're all guilty of it... most of us have some game in our collection that is simply ass, but it resonates with us in some way that makes it seem better to us. Maybe a nostalgia factor or a strong interest in the genre... good feelings in other words.
While not as widely panned as Survival Instinct, 2009's AVP was a pretty meh game... but I loved it.
Being objective about something you like is difficult since, by our very nature, we let a lot of shit slide if we derive pleasure or comfort from something. It DOES require deliberation and intent to overcome our predisposition with giving allowances to stuff we're fond of.
Most people don't have the patience for that. To be critical about something, while still derive pleasure from it, is a tenuous balance at best. Some folks can let flaws completely overshadow any genuine quality. Others can wade through the deepest chasms of shit and appreciate that flawed gem buried within. Very few people can wade through that shit and call it shit, while still admiring the gem. Likewise few people can acknowledge the flaws without degrading the game in their view too.
This is why you have some pretty... vicious responses to criticism. Some people genuinely can't handle the negative feedback. Others really can't see the diamond in the rough. This is why so many discussion about a games value, regardless of ratings, are boiling pots waiting to overflow.
The effect I'm talking about is quite easily seen in user reviews on any of the major aggregate sites*. For most people there is no gradient between good and bad... its a switch "Did you like it? Yes or No?" Maybe at a stretch "kinda/not really" too.
*Note: This isn't including review bombing. That is a different beast entirely.
While not as widely panned as Survival Instinct, 2009's AVP was a pretty meh game... but I loved it.
Being objective about something you like is difficult since, by our very nature, we let a lot of shit slide if we derive pleasure or comfort from something. It DOES require deliberation and intent to overcome our predisposition with giving allowances to stuff we're fond of.
Most people don't have the patience for that. To be critical about something, while still derive pleasure from it, is a tenuous balance at best. Some folks can let flaws completely overshadow any genuine quality. Others can wade through the deepest chasms of shit and appreciate that flawed gem buried within. Very few people can wade through that shit and call it shit, while still admiring the gem. Likewise few people can acknowledge the flaws without degrading the game in their view too.
This is why you have some pretty... vicious responses to criticism. Some people genuinely can't handle the negative feedback. Others really can't see the diamond in the rough. This is why so many discussion about a games value, regardless of ratings, are boiling pots waiting to overflow.
The effect I'm talking about is quite easily seen in user reviews on any of the major aggregate sites*. For most people there is no gradient between good and bad... its a switch "Did you like it? Yes or No?" Maybe at a stretch "kinda/not really" too.
*Note: This isn't including review bombing. That is a different beast entirely.