I am going to start doing reviews! I will offer full reviews and first look reviews. First look will mostly be aesthetic and ease of access based. I will look at the theme, graphics, and links. Obviously the full reviews will be more detailed. Not only will I look at the main page and all the links (characters included), I will also do my best to check grammar. If you want a review, the inbox is open!
Below the cut is a full review for @poisonedtalesrp.
Please remember that this is purely based off of my opinion, and do not take any offense by what I’ve said, I’m here to help. If the admins would like this taken down, just ask and I can do that.
ICON AND URL (10/10)
Your icon and URL both fit your group very well, the icon has the light, fluffy feel because of they colours you've use but still had the element of darkness because of the actual skull image you have used. I definitely thought of a Disney or Fairytale style group from the URL, again with the dark element.
SIDEBAR (8/10)
Your sidebar seems to have everything you need on it, but I would consider putting the affiliates at the bottom if I were you. They aren't group important and all the colours ruin the aesthetic you have going with the warm purple tones.
MAIN/THEME (7/10)
I am a big fan of groups with lovely graphics on their main page, but I do like this theme. Lots of links on either the top or side bar are a real must for me, I can't explain the bug I get from tiny themes for groups. I do have one thought, however. I print screened and took out the post colour (making it the same colour as the background) and I did think it looked nicer.. It's not important at all because your main does look wonderful and neat, but maybe just pop into your theme and have a play, see what you think about that.
What let's this down is the plot theme. The colours on your plot page really need to match the rest of the theme. The colours are very complimentary, but there needs to be a certain element of flow and the colour is the very basics of this.
FULL PLOT (10/10)
This plot is so beautiful. If I hadn't just joined a group and agreed to admin on another, I would be so in there. I am not a fan of Disney or similar themed groups but this is so wonderful and all my childhood characters are here. I just wish I had the time for this, I really do. I can't think of a way to improve the plot, but if you don't already have this, a page for customs and traditions might be a nice little addition. Fantasy towns will of course do things differently, and you guys have the option to pick and choose things from each fairytale.
NAVIGATION/RULES (9/10)
I do like this theme! Very nice.
For the characters section, perhaps consider moving the 'all' and genders onto one side, and the rest of the links on the other. I also love how you've split everything into easy sections, I wish I could give extra points for this because I am forever suggesting this to groups. Again, everything you need seems to be there.
Your rules are some of the fairest I have seen. Groups with three days inactivity allowance scare the death out of me, and I'm so glad that people still believe in the week rule. I didn't see anything about triggers in here, so consider adding a bit about those. I apologize if I missed it.
GRAPHICS (8/10)
I love your character graphics so dearly, but the cartoon pngs on them are very bright and clash. I don't know if you could, but it might be beneficial to see if you can tone those colours down a little bit. It's a big job, but might make them tie in better. These childhood cartoons of course suit the bright colours but with the elegant style of the theme and colour scheme you have, they aren't looking all that hot.
The post graphics are so cute, I really like the use of (what looks like) pngs instead of full on graphics for those, definitely adds to the simplicity of your theme. (Just make sure that you stick to bolding the first letter of the unfollows/follows in the same way to keep the consistency!)
CHARACTERS (10/10)
I adore them all. I laughed a little too much with Cee Lo Green's character. You've cast these characters so well, and even Sofia Vergara's placement is so wonderful. I don't know who picked these face claims to their roles, but well done indeed. That is real skill that I wish I had.
There is a nice mixture of information, genders, ethnicities, and ages and you've done an incredible job here.
ADMIN(S) (10/10)
You both seem so lovely but here is something I say a lot- in your admin introductions, I would advise adding what each of you do for the group. If you both do everything, then say that, otherwise it is so much easier for someone to go straight to the admin they need about specific problems or questions.
OVERALL (72/80)
Congratulations! You have enough points here to be in my recs! I am so in love with this group. If you would like to be in my recs, let me know through my ask and you will be added to the sidebar. Make sure to come back if you need any more help, and don't be strangers!
The opinions in this review are my own, and I promise that anything said is simply to help and encourage you to continue in your roleplaying ventures!
Main Page:
I really enjoy your theme, and I really like that fact that all of your posts are easily read! The only thing I'm not a huge fan of (and this is me being nitpicky) is the shadow behind your main. The colors just bug me for some reason, and the grey seems a bit harsh.
I love the fact that your links are easy to find.
9/10
Navigation:
You kept it simple, which seems to work very well with the roleplay! Again, I'm not sure how I feel about the grey, but over all I like how easily I can get to everything!
9/10
Plot:
Listen, I'm not a huge fan of zombie rps, but I really like the spin you've put on this. The thought of being trapped in a building while the world outside crumbles is a terrifying idea, and it leaves a lot of potential for future events and plot twists! Nice job! I also really enjoy the way your plot reads like a story. It gives me hope for all of the players you get!
9/10
Roles:
First things first, I love your character graphics. They fit the theme perfectly.
I'm also seeing a lot of diversity in age, race, and you have non-binary characters: A+.
The length of your bios are excellent. You've given enough information to not have the player on a blank page, but to let them develop It also doesn't take ten years to read each one, which is a good thing!
10/10
Rules:
Well done. You've made it personable and you've gotten the point across. I don't really see what else I could say that wouldn't be like trying to make the dead walk. (Look, I made a really bad zombie joke. Sorry.)
10/10
Application:
The mixed media thing is really cool. I like the mix of in character questions as well as the out of character questions.
10/10
Over all:
I think you all have a really good roleplay on your hands! Hopefully you'll get some quality applications! You all seem like sweet people (and I love, love, love, your mascots.) I wish you the best of luck!
Disclaimer: While everyone sees role plays differently, you’re asking for our opinion and that is what we will give you. Please do not take it any further to heart than necessary.
Notice: Once we have completed the review, you will receive a message informing you of such. We invite you to remain in correspondence with us about the things noted below, because while we will link you to places to help with your specific issues, we also want to lend our one-on-one advice.
URL and Icon: (10/10)
I’m quite pleased with your URL. It’s simple and short, which is nice. I might suggest adding a hyphen before “rp,” but that’s entirely a matter of personal preference.
Your icon is quite fabulous. I love the face you chose to go along with it, and the contrast of the white lettering over the dark background. Very nice, no complaints to be made.
Theme Layout: (24/25)
I am genuinely surprised by the fact that I like this theme. Typically, I’m not a fan of massive headers and having the icon present on-screen, but I really like this. It’s probably because of the darker, relaxed colors, and the handy location of the navigational links. Very easy to access, and very user friendly.
My only suggestion would formating the “updates” tab. Its font matches the rest of the blog, yes, but I would look at my capitalization and perhaps make the words smaller by a font size or two.
Sidebar Graphic: (9/20)
I really want to like your header, but there is something about it that I can’t really get with. I really like the fact that it adds color to an otherwise dark scheme, but I feel like it falls short of the cutting edge, high contrast, darkness I get from the rest of the theme. Keep the blue and even your images, but keep your icon in mind, for example, when playing around with effects and the clarity of your colors.
A higher resolution would also improve its look.
Sidebar Description: (10/20)
The description is choppy, and not in a good way. I understand what you’re going for here, and while I do sincerely appreciate it and believe that I would continue on to your plot if I were a potential applicant, I as a reviewer and critic can’t say I’m satisfied. Take a look at the edits I’ve made below and see what you think.
“We are no different from you. My brothers sisters have been born under a burning flame - not in the blood of a mother. We have skin made of metal, and our blood is not red, but black, yet we are no servants. We are just like you, and we will fight for our rights. You can try to stop us, but remember: robot cannot truly bleed.”
Sidebar Links: (10/10)
I have no complaints to make here. All of your links are functional, and I completely agree with the order in which you’ve put them.
Navigational Page/Links: (18/20)
You’ve got some really great links here. My only critiques are that you might want to place “faq” before “extra info,” place the “fc list” after your audition form, and change the title of “guide when not accepted” to something like “if rejected,” or maybe “rejection guide.”
I really like this page, but I would tailor the colors of the graphic you’ve included so that the blue matches that of your main page header. Cohesion is very important!
Rules: (15/20)
I like that your rules are separated by function, but here are the things I would fix:
You should fully explain of what the “harder punishment” will consist.
Move the following line up to the OOC Rules section,or delete it: “Respecting everyone OOC and IC is important. IC drama is fine, but don’t take it to the OOC chat.”
Generally, the rules you’ve established are decent, and they show you aim to create an inviting and safe environment for your players. That’s great.
Plot: (20/25)
Normally, I’d say putting that much text before your actually plot is a bad idea, but in this case... I assure you, it aided perfectly in describing what this roleplay is all about. Backstories are very, very important to making sure your applicants and players understand the world their characters are in, and this simple overview of the creation of this “new species” was perfectly executed.
Alright, I like where you’re going with this, but the execution could be a little fine tuned. You have some typos and flow errors in each paragraph, and while I suggest you read back over it and fix those, it doesn’t ruin the entire thing. As a reader, I am interested by what appears to be a budding robot civil war, and it’s something I personally haven’t seen in a rolepay, which I like. Furthermore, kudos for the unique and rarely used locations.
If you would like us to, Karlie and myself are more than happy to look over the plot in detail for you later.
Bios: (11/20)
I really like the layout you’re using, though it is a simple one. I would suggest bolding the header with their information, though, and again, check your capitalization.
I’m not crazy about the graphics you’re using - mainly because the text is uncomfortably small. The text in the left-side background is also distracting and I don’t understand its purpose. Generally, I’d say you should enlarge the center of the graphic and cut out the unneeded, distracting parts.
Characters: (25/25)
You have a cast of truly diverse characters, and that is something to be applauded. I especially like the global scale of the roleplay as a whole and the fact that you are utilizing your characters to emphasize that. Furthermore, the biographies and personality traits provided give potential players a firm grasp on who each character is while also leaving them room to grow and expand.
Administration: (25/25)
You seem to be a very professional and dedicated administrator, as I can tell from your updates to keep everyone in the loop. It’s that dedication which will take your roleplay far, of course.
Extras: (10/10)
Including a frequently asked questions list is always, always a good move, especially in a roleplay with such a wide universe on which you’ll expand.
I am really, really impressed by the in-depth level of your extra information posts. They’re very helpful in shaping the world these characters live in, and will be of great help to players.
I like that you have included extra links for resources and inspiration, and also that you’ve extended a helping hand to applicants who might be rejected. Nothing shows an inclusive, welcoming environment like ensuring everyone is going to have an equal chance to get in and do something great.
Overall: (187/230)
You have a truly wonderful concept here, and I really think you’re an amazing administrator already, so I know that this roleplay has potential. Your only issues are that you have several grammatical and flow errors throughout, and that your graphics could use a brush-up. Once you’ve addressed those issues, I feel you could have a successful roleplay on your hands.
Your rating, with a score of 187/230, on our Cavill and Kloss Presents: The Grand RP Scale is:
Level Three (153-228): Well, then. You’ve got yourself a pretty darn good role play here. In fact, we might even consider joining it! Administration, theme, plot, and characters are all good quality, and we see your ship sailing for a long time. You have things you might want to fix, but keep up the good work!
