How important is product presentation in a review?

[Umbran]

To me presentation only comes to mind if it is terrible.
If I don't notice it, then it is probably ok.
I will say if it has great presentation it does bump up my opinion of it a bit.

Agreed. Presentation is rather like a movie soundtrack - if it is really horrid, you notice. But most of the time, the hallmark of excellent presentation is that it has its effect without bringing itself into focus, so you don't notice it.

 

[Seeker95]

Much like KB9, I am more likely to notice poor artwork than good.
However, neither greatly affects my impression of the content of the produce. The best art in the world does not save a crappy mechanics / crappy flavor product, and the worst art in the world will not ruin great content.

 

[blargney the second]

Really good art makes me look at a book very hard. In particular, I want accurate and evocative illustrations for monsters and inspiring scenes that highlight the cool bits of the book. (Ideally scenes that I can show my players.)

 

[Menexenus]

I buy gorgeous books.

Sorry, but I have a definite weakness for gorgeously illustrated and layed-out role-playing books. I'm not sure if this is the example Psion is referring to, but I really, really want to buy Tome of Magic, even though I think its content will see absolutely no use in my game. The book is just so darned pretty! I can't help but want it.

Now, that doesn't mean that I'd give it a good review just because I like the way it looks. But I do have to admit (sheepishly) that I likes me a pretty book.

 

[jeffh]

Another poll where I can't really answer because the options are running several distinct questions together, then asking me to pick one answer. The first, fourth and fifth options are fine as they're mutually exclusive and are clearly measuring the same thing. However, either or both of the second and third options could be (and in my case, are) true IN ADDITION to one of 1, 4 or 5. I see no inconsistency in (for example) saying art is an extremely important factor, one of several factors, AND only important because it "brings to life" (whatever that means) a product.

 

[JustKim]

It's not an issue. I've hated books with very nice illustrations and loved books with no illustrations. I can enjoy artwork, and a good book with beautiful illustrations is even better, but it doesn't factor into my buying something.

 

[Lord Rasputin]

A minor deal, and I have GURPS and Call of Cthulhu books to prove it.

Though the cover of the Draconomicon still tempts me.

 

[Starglim]

I think that skilful presentation (as opposed to dense or expensive artwork) is at least moderately important. Good presentation makes it easier to stick with reading the book and can actually help with navigation, if there are meaningful changes between sections. Being able to read the text over any background image is pretty much essential.

Illustrations, as such, that actually provide meaningful content, are always an option to add value to a sourcebook and can be greatly helpful to essential for types of books dealing with specific items, such as creatures and equipment, or with cultures.

 

[Ringan]

To me presentation only comes to mind if it is terrible.
If I don't notice it, then it is probably ok.
I will say if it has great presentation it does bump up my opinion of it a bit.

This is how I feel as well.

 

[Cergorach]

I've had books were the art has been great but the writing was bad. I've had books were the art was bad and the writing was great. While both have seen use, neither was used often.

Gaming books aren't novels, novels rely on the immersion factor of the story to captivate their audience, gaming books don't have that luxury. Gaming books need to draw in their audience time and again, interesting headers, good layout, and striking imagery help a lot in that department. I think that while good writing can go a long way, it can't go all the way...

for example : http://statesecretsrpg.com/

The RPG might be mana from heaven but the art is brimstone from hell... I'll pass it up.

Hey... That reminds me of some of the Mongoose art... Especially some of the early works...