Hello everyone. I have been wanting to make my own DLC Review videos of Train Simulator Classic to put on my YouTube channel after watching other reviews and being inspired. The problem is, I don't really know how I should approach it. Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations for a format I should take when discussing Train Simulator Classic DLC? I would love to hear some ideas of what people would like in a review video. Thanks in advance!
I don't have many clues about the video format. When reviewing I try to look at both the ups and downs, otherwise it becomes whiny or shilly. When I watch videos I look for informative, interesting ones. I suppose it's best to define some standards given the price and all, and then compare. The standards are defined by who is the target audience. Who is this DLC designed for, what is its niche, purpose. And equally, who is not. For example, with some recent DTM reviews I felt the videos are an elongated whining. Instead, compare the products, convenience vs details, price, scenarios, requirements, mix and match options... Probably some snippets showing what it does, how it works, noting what should but doesn't, a couple run by-s (the spelling of this, seriously!), stuff like that. You could also practice with some old DLC. Given it's DLC, I'd keep a main review around 5-10 minutes, with an optional video showcasing some scenarios, running, or what have you.
Thank you very much for your feedback. When I said video format I didn't really mean stuff like aspect ratio or resolution if that's what you think I meant. I just meant a script format / scaffold I should follow when making a review. I'll probably make my first review on the British Rail Class 52 DLC since I like that locomotive and it is an old DLC to start with. The only thing I am worried about with these reviews is that my lack of experience with both reviews and overseas trains may effect the video. I am Australian and have never been overseas and I don't often watch videos of overseas trains in real life so I don't exactly have great knowledge of how overseas trains operate except of course for how I would usually drive them in Train Simulator Classic. Thanks again for your help.
I was thinking about that but didn't make a second post. Yes, every professional video I'm seeing is edited, and the speech follows a script. (At least clues.) Helps a lot with staying on point. In my view a point of a review isn't to compare to the original, of course it's part of it, but if you state that you're reviewing it as a game and possibly research context (i.e. whenever I play a DLC, I end up reading wikipedia). There is still room to assess quality (like I mentioned the brake issues with the SD45 wagons) but it's also possible to overall enjoy something that has faults. Regarding British trains, it appears more common for people to try and drive using the cab (with suitably adjusted field of view), so it's worth mentioning how nice the cab looks, what proportion of the controls is operable. About operation details, you can watch some Don Coffey videos and follow the clues. I notice 0-100 driving is quite common, refined to 0-50-100 when starting. Also braking early. Which is not review material but something people often comment here to be reckless. Just do a couple and ask people to comment (review) here. Also you'll find your rhythm. Your style doesn't have to be what I fantasize.
Thanks for more feedback. I have written a basic script with notes about the Class 52 about some stuff I’ve noticed but I’m still yet to play the scenarios. I’ve made a Pro and Cons list and unfortunately the Cons list is quite long and massively outweigh the Pros. However my play style never really cares for the highest quality textures, most realism, etc. all I care about is a good driving experience in the scenarios which I will make sure to comment on.
Best is to do as you feel, make it your own unique style. Does anyone still remember the great Youtube channel "At The Railyard"? Really pretty style of reviews from the MSTS/RailWorks era.
Thanks for reminding me I'm getting old. I watched him 8 years ago. His reviews got my seal of approval.
At the Railyard's reviews stand head and shoulders above anything else. Carefully planned, well edited, good vocal delivery and great use of music. I'd be amazed if he's not now following a career in TV or advertising, as he was a natural.
