Well it's been a really long time since I did my last game review, reason being is the next game I want cover is really hard. Now there is a password to get to the last level but even that's pretty hard. My question is do you think I should just get the review over with and review it without beating the game, should I beat it in proper order (I would only be skipping the level I am currently on to get to the next which happens to be the last) or just keep the review delayed until its fully beaten? I have captured a bit of footage with my capture device (as opposed to my method of shooting off the tv which doesn't work well audio and visual wise). This one I am trying to be extensive with including comparing the U.S. version with it in some detail. What are your thoughts?
I'd say what you suggested would be fine to be honest You'll have seen like the vast majority of the game and actually seen the ending, which I expect is more than most internet reviewers have seen
Depends if later levels can add more detail to your review... You can say in your review "I'd love to have a say on the later levels but I just can't get any further maybe I'll relate to the levels at a later date". Most the time people who review never finish the game and usually use level selects and things like. No body watching the video will notice you haven't played through every minute of the game anyway. It really depends on what footage you need as well, in some of my reviews I compare versions of the game on different platforms or at least mention it with a short clip in the background etc. Me personally I complete all games I review (check my channel out and find out). However it really depends on the game, if it's a review that talks about every feature, then by all means finish it start to end otherwise just level skip.
Silver Surfer isn't even THAT difficult. You just have to memorize the paths. Beat it when I was about 12. Ikaruga seemed far more difficult to me.
I'm at a similar point with my Robocop Vs. Terminator review. I have a password for every level, but, without powerups, they are next to useless. WHat I opted to do was show footage of every level, and flat-out say, "This game kicked my ass." Like it's been said, honesty is the way to go.