Video game reviews can be a helpful way for the general public to get an idea of what they’re in for with a new product before they spend $60+ on a purchase – but, sometimes, according to Forbes, they can be a burden as well.

Contributor Paul Tassi recently wrote an article explaining a peculiar situation surrounding Nintendo, who previously provided review codes for its upcoming action sequel Bayonetta 2 to several outlets. The embargo for the review lifted this week, and reviews have posted on a number of sites, including IGN and Joystiq, providing positive responses across the board, with scores around the 9 to 10 range.

This is good for Nintendo, as it provides even more excitement for the Wii U-exclusive sequel. But, on the other hand, it also presents a peculiar problem, as the game won’t actually release in stores and digitally through the eShop until next Friday, October 26. Some might be misled to believe that it could be picked up sooner than that, like this week’s releases of The Evil Within and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which will be out tomorrow.

As a video game journalist who reviews products quite often, here’s my personal take on the matter: it’s better to be too early than too late. In a number of circumstances, review product doesn’t generally arrive until a day before the game’s release, or sometimes even after. This can pose an interesting problem for outlets that want to post a review as quickly as possible, especially considering how long it takes to complete a game and give it fair judgment.

In Nintendo’s case, too early seems to work the best. The company has provided press with early digital copies of Hyrule Warriors and Super Smash Bros. on the 3DS in an effort to get positive word out early. It’s a confident move, especially if a game isn’t quite up to snuff, but one that’s paid off, as both of those products – along with Bayonetta 2­ – have gotten positive marks. And heading into the holiday season, it never hurts to have more positivity on your side, especially in the case of Nintendo, a company that wants to sell more Wii U units.

So, no, I personally don’t see anything wrong with providing review code earlier than expected. It helps build up buzz for a product, even if it leaves some people yearning a bit more for the finished game. Hey, better that than seeing a negative review show up days later for a product you already purchased, right