note: This is The Column, a part of Apolyton where primarily Markos and Dan write whatever we want :). Well, not just the two of us. The Column is open to everyone. If you feel like writing submit your article to civ2@gamestats.com

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#30 DEAR WEBMASTER The good, bad, and the ugly of fan mail, from one who knows it well. #31 "POLY" TO THE PEOPLE Stewart believes the time has come to give something back. COLUMN ARCHIVE

Nineteen-hundred and ninety nine is shaping up to be an excellent year for turn-based strategy enthusiasts. With all the recent hoopla over blow-'em-to-bits titles, their prequels, sequels, and not-so-fantastic dupes, it's good to see that computer gaming has not entirely "gone to the dogs"; that is to say, there is more than just testosterone-spewin' macho maniacs who are benefiting from recent and up-and-coming releases. (My apologies to all our canine friends out there whom I may have unintentionally insulted). Sure, every once and while we have a rotten day and there's nothing like a good deathmatch to channel some of that I'm-gonna-kick-my-boss's-a$$ aggression. I too have a similar habit. But, would it really be so bad if we gamers, in general, were forced to think once in a while? All-ready-devout Civ'ers will agree. You listening Thrash?

Good, I've got your attention. I am, of course, speaking about Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and Civilization: Call To Power. The former picks up where CivII left off: colonizing Alpha Centaruri. A die-hard science fiction nut, I can't but help be attracted by all the neat gidgets and gazmos to tinker with like a moth to light. Hell, I often find myself so absorbed in a game I find myself screaming at the screen whenever one of my opponents violates my boundaries.
Now as for the latter, well, I think most of you know that Markos and I received a special preview build from Activision to test out a couple of weeks back. I'm having a blast with it too, but in a different way. See, whereas SMAC concentrates on a specific time period (the future), CTP spans thousands of years of human evolution. It is easy to go out and make judgements by comparing one to the other, or previous Civilization titles. But is it fair? That's a decision you're going to have to make for yourself, but I am treating them as equals. So, don't get me started on how pointless I find the seeming hatred between some over-zealous SMAC and CTP fans -- save you breath. Like, what's the point man?

If you're anything like me, you will find yourself absorbed in the inner-most intricacies of both titles, as those before it, and those yet to be conceived. Days will pass, relationships will be tried, tested and personal hygiene will become a back seat driver. Then, there are those of you out there that are going to pass through SMAC and CTP like curry does the human colon. To you especially, I offer the following resolution: the year is young, and much can happen between now and the fireworks welcoming the new millennium.

The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of Apolyton CS or GameStats. They are just the personal opinions of the writer.