note: This is The Column, a part of Apolyton where anyone can write about whatever they want :) If you feel like writing, submit your article via the article submission page

A note: Today an effort begins to bring you more articles on the column every week, by more people. Under this idea, from time to time, the Column will host the "A Bubba's Eye View", a series of articles by Roger Oepkes, better known on the SMAC and Apolyton forums as Uncleroggy. Well, we'll leave him do the explaining, with today's introduction. Next Thursday, check back for the first part of Roger's really-first article...

PREVIOUS ARTICLES

#55 THE PUBLIC ARE MORONS Please welcome again gaming programmer David Emery; this time, he's got bite. #56 GAMERS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN Like an empire, Frank Johnson strikes back on behalf of the gaming public. COLUMN ARCHIVE

How many times have you seen a game review, purchased the game, played the game and then sat back and really wondered if the reviewer actually knew anything? Unfortunately, I increasingly feel this way and it has caused me to stop and think why this occurs. Is it incompetence, preference or the symbiotic nature of the relationship between the reviewers and the game producers? Regardless of the source, I feel that it is long overdue that a review needs to be made by a TBS gamer, for TBS gamers without secondary influences or agendas.

At this point, let me specifically share with you what "A Bubba's Eye View" will be all about. Ten years ago I frequently traveled to the southeastern US on business. During my visits, I was able to meet a lot of nice people who shared with me the truths about "Southern Life". One of those truths is the practical nature of these people and the use of the term "Bubba" to describe a guy who is a practical family man. Given this definition, I hope to bring a fresh, practical approach to my reviews. I will break the games down to their nuts and bolts and I will endeavor to provide praise and criticism where appropriate.

Finally, let me close by telling you a little bit about myself and my motivations. I am not a programmer nor do I work for any game manufacturer/magazine in any capacity. I am not a professional writer and I am not trying to find a sneaky way to get free copies of software. On the other hand, I am an avid TBS gamer going back almost 25 years. As a result, I have played dozens of games, both good and bad and I have found these experiences helpful in quickly sizing up a new title. In this way, I hope to provide good information to replace hype and that this will help all of you to buy TBS games worthy of your hard earned money.

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