Scott Langley writes...

Dear Ross,

While I really enjoy reading Game Bytes, I have to say this about the game reviews: The authors of some of the reviews rush to judgment about the quality of a game, or don't take the time to really get into a game to really understand it. This results in Game Bytes being a lesser product than it should be.

Ah, the pressures of news. You want to get it out fast, you want to get a quality job.... and in our case....I'm begging for content!!

Some examples from the last issue, Game Bytes #20, are the comments of one author stating that he had only played the game he was reviewing for two days, so he had not had time yet to examine some of its (major) features. Another author said he wasn't good at this type of simulation, so he couldn't really judge the quality of the AI.

Again, keep in mind, that if I had a nice, healthy budget to pay reviewers; a budget that was financed by either contributions or subscriptions, then I would really have my own butt in the fire if I let this happen. As it stands now, I'm at the mercy of those who wish to see Game Bytes live on. I apologize for the holes you speak of, but I still contend that you're AT LEAST getting your money's worth on Game Bytes.

I can barely imagine two more contradictory reviews than the two written for OUTPOST by David Charles Reed and Scott Sumner. I purchased the game and agree totally with David that Sierra really choked on this one. David did a good job, writing a long, detailed review that pointing out many the faults that frustrate many who have unwittingly bought this game. Scott's review was much shorter and came to conclusions I just plain disagree with. It is nice, however, to be presented with two different points of view.

As stated in my response to another letter, I was fervently hoping for two contrasting reviews like this, as I think it not only results in a more informed gamer, but it shows how varied gamers opinions can be.

What good is it to complain about the quality of something that is distributed for free, like Game Bytes? And who am I to criticize these authors when I haven't contributed a thing myself? Those are reasonable questions.

Aaaaah, I see you're coming around here.... <G>

I know Game Bytes is dependent on the generously donated time and effort of its game reviewers. Ross would probably appreciate it if many more people were willing to contribute their reviewing and writing talents. Still, as a reader, I have to suggest that some reviewers really need to put more effort into improving the quality of their reviews.

Game Bytes is like politics..(Oh NOOOOO!!!). If you can't stand the guy that's in here, throw yourself into the ring and make it better. Always willing to field another candidate in here.

Sometime in the not so distance future, I will try to contribute a review myself. Hopefully, it will be worthy of being published in Game Bytes and free from the faults I'm pointed out in the reviews of others. But I will let the readership judge that and keep a wary eye on the letters section.

Sincerely,

Scott Langley 
Corvallis, Oregon 
langles@ece.orst.edu

We shall await you with open arms, Scott.