A Real Arcade Game Evaluator

I've been a member of Real Arcade for a few years but only recently did I become a game evaluator. The program allows real people like you and me to test their games before it becomes available to the general public. Once you sign up, you have to download the evaluator version of Real Arcade. Once you've done that, you can go to a part of the site that gives you the new releases available for downloading and testing. There's also a description of the game so that you can choose what type of games you'd like to try out.

After you have chosen a game to try out, you are allowed a 60-minute timeframe to test it. You are then able to submit any feedback on the game such as playability, how much fun it was, if there were any bugs that need to be worked out, etc. This allows them to choose which games to release to us for purchase.

Anyone can sign up to be an evaluator; you just have to have the willingness to submit feedback on the games you try out.

The cons of this program are few. I was not thrilled to learn that I'd have just the usual 60-minute demo time to play the games. I was even less thrilled to find out that I don't get to keep the games. Once they are released, usually with one to two months later, I will have to purchase them like anyone else. However, it does let me take a look at what games are in progress to be released. Not all games get chosen though. If a game has a lot of bugs are bad feedback, it may not get put in for release.

If you're not inclined to want to test out games and just want to try out some, you can go to www.realarcade.com and sign up! You can get a game pass which charges you a low monthly fee but each month you get a free game of your choice, plus $5 off any other full priced game! I pay $7.99 per month but it's worth it because I can get a $19.99 game free each month and the rest for $14.99. Real Arcade allows you to download any of their games on a trial basis. You get one hour to see if it's a game you'd like to purchase. I think that's a great idea since I have downloaded games I later would not want to purchase and then on the other hand, I have downloaded a few that I had no idea I'd enjoy so much!

All in all, I think Real Arcade is a great way to relax and unwind while at your desk. Since I work at home, it's nice to be able to take a break and play a few games while waiting for calls.