By Daniel Quick
December 5th, 1998

note: This is The Column, a part of Apolyton where mainly 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 us.

It's what, 7am Christmas morning and you've already raided your stockings, presents, fridge (opps, how'd that get in there? ) and you're already entrenched in your most favourite new toy (forgive this grammar, I'm Canadian eh?). That's right, a computer game! You're all so excited, knowing all the hype the game had received in the months gone by has been well worth your time... the equivlent of the must-have action figure for a 10-year-old. You begin to remember to that cool, autumn day when you far from vaguely hinted to your relatives of a particular game you have been eyeballing forever. And now, it's finally here! You enthusiastically scream "YES!!" at the top of your lungs, which interrupts your neighbours' slumber and they begin to wonder whether the world's newest millionaire is finally moving far, far way... but I digress.

Tragically, after a day or two, like wrapping paper, you're ready to throw it away (although that wrapping paper was gosh darned puurrtty, *tisk*). Worse, perhaps you dislike it so much you begin to wonder how well the CD would act as a frisbee for the family dog. Like a 100-year old in a speedo, it's not pretty. You indescretely ask your favourite Aunt Metilda or Uncle Cyril for the receipt for the product for exchange (or use another family member as a liason to protect yourself from the scornful looks of a stilled response).

Admittedly you cannot always anticipate what another is going to buy for you on the special occasion of your birthday, Christmas, graduation whatever. Don't just ask for something to ask for something; I will fall back on the old saying "be careful what you wish for". Don't wait too long to speak your mind, but at least give your newest possession a chance to grow on you. A day. Perhaps two. Remember that dizzy graphics aren't everything, although it does help increase the realistic feel of a game which contributes to an absolute addiction. To captivate me, a game needs a strong storyline. One can only take so much of blowing the brains away of a simulated opponent. I like a challenge, where you need/want to USE your brain!

To me, this always spells C-I-V-I-L-I-Z-A-T-I-O-N. Just like Lay's potato chips, one just isn't enough and find myself absorbed in a multitude of games experimenting with different strategies with a variety of opponents on varying levels of difficulty. This is not to say there isn't 'anything else', but nothing is quite like Civ --- it's late night fun, but without the hanky-panky... {GRIN}

Not every game is geared towards everyone (we're all in debt enough as it is). If you can't put to memory what you like/dislike then write it down for future reference. I strongly recommend taking for a test drive the latest demo/evaluation version of a particular game that is tickling your fancy. Trust me, this will likely determine whether your purchase it or not.

For once I am going to make my conclusion short and sweet: think before you buy or, as my pertitent example implies considering the time of year, request. It'll save you a hell of a lot on coaster expenses.

The opinions expressed on this page doesnt necessarily express Apolyton CS or GameStats.
It is just the personal opinions of the writer.