I usually don't read the rewiews that are posted on Steam or other platforms for the game but I watch short videos. This way I can decide better for myself if I'd like the game. Anyways, most platforms offer refunds under certain conditions if you have bought a game and didn't like it.
I generally look at reviews before playing so I feel like I haven't wasted my time. But there's the off chance a game looks good on paper or you deny a review when the trailer looks good then realize they were right all along.
I usually read reviews before buying most of my games. I bought Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Gran Tourismo, Forza, and other game franchises because they had good reviews. Reading reviews is also kind of fun.