Something that I have always found interesting about the game industry as a consumer is the concept of comparing games.  On the surface, this practice makes a lot of sense.  As consumers, we are offered new experiences on a regular basis in the industry.  In order for us to get some sense of what a game is about, it is only logical that we compare a new game to an existing property.  Otherwise it can be difficult to wrap our heads around how a game will play or if a new mechanic is truly doing something new.

Reviewers often get slammed for this practice however, which honestly makes no sense.  Sure it might seem lazy to compare Dante's Inferno's combat to God of War.  But if you have played God of War, which many have, you instantly know what to expect.

But there is another comparison, often made in forums or social circles, which takes a lot of heat: Should I buy this game or this game?  Is Game X better than Game Y?

Often times, these comparisons are made between completely unrelated games.  To use an extreme example, should I buy Burnout or Final Fantasy?  While many people quickly shrug these questions off as ridiculous or forum trolling, it really does bring an interesting discussion to the table.

As a married adult attending graduate school and working a research job, I have to pick and choose which titles I play each month.  I simply don't have time to play everything anymore.  I also don't want to stay out of the gaming loop since the gaming culture has been an important part of life for as long as I can remember.  This thrusts me into an interesting spot.  Do I play only the best games ever?  Do I only play games that I know I will like?  Or do I play the best games of the last month or so to stay more current?

All of the sudden should I play Street Fighter or Demon Souls doesn't sound so ridiculous.  These are choices I have to make every month, and I'm sure I'm not alone.  Honestly, I want to know if it is worth pouring the time into Dragon Age, when during that same time I could play Darksiders, Bayonetta, and God of War.  It's a tough call to make since it is greatly based on personal taste.  But if I don't make it, I will have a huge pile of games that I have bought and never played.