So, yeah. I haven't blogged in awhile. The last time was on February 28th, my birthday. The followup on March 1st about the Luchacake doesn't count. My writing mojo has been gone, my muse isn't speaking, my brain and fingers aren't connecting, etcetera-etcetera. I don't know why, but I have these extended phases of extreme apathy; applicable to both writing for pleasure and homework. It's not a good thing. It's a really, really bad thing. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to writing, something that I am trying to control. Because of this, in an attempt to give this shitty "condition" the finger, I am going to write this without exerting much effort. This is likely not to be of great quality (read: crap.) Keeping this in mind, let's get started.

"What have you been up to, BB?" you ask. Thanks for your consideration, figurative listener. For the last 10 days (10 if we are to count today) I have been on my surprisingly lengthy Spring Break. Although this is the last day of the break, I'm nonetheless grateful for such a great reprieve from the intravenous dosage of insanity, that is my Jr. year of highschool. I don't know if those of you across the pond call the four years of highschool as freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. So if you do not, junior year is 11th grade. *A quick aside, my mom has just informed me that highschool is actually two words. Well, fuck that. It should be one word. I'm adding highschool to the spell-check's dictionary.*

Anyway, over this vacation, I have been sitting around and loving it. I haven't gotten all the work done (read: none of it,) but I'll deal with the repercussions when they present themselves. Now's not the time, I'm trying to blog. What I have done, however, is played video games and watched movies. You know? All that good stuff. For the shits & giggles, I decided to watch some classics. These being...wait for it....wait for it......The Fast and the Furious (screw you if you don't like this movie, it has Vin Diesel for fuck's sake.,) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (I know it is a bad movie. But it's one of my guilty pleasures. We all have 'em, eh?,) The Dark Knight (I know it's not a classic. But wutevz.,) Lethal Weapon (there are few things better than an 80's action movie,) and The Matrix ('nuff said.)

I also watched some new'uns. One of these being Appaloosa, which is just g'damn weird. I do not reccomend it. I also saw Quantum of Solace. The latter received some rough reviews. But, you know what? I have not had so much fun watching a movie in as long as I can remember. For those dummies out there who say it's unrealistic, I ask, "Do you know what franchise we're talking about? Since when has James Bond been at all realistic?" But even if you're one of those whom did not like Quantum of Solace, you shouldn't take that out on Daniel Craig. Even the best Bond's have had their fair share of decent to awful movies. Plus, Daniel Craig isn't starring in crap like Moonraker, now is he?

Yeah, Sean Connery was AWESOME. But as a James Bond aficionado, one whose seen every James Bond movie (thank you Spike TV's 007 Days of Christmas Marathon,) I feel I can say in good conscience that Daniel Craig is the best Bond to date. If you watch the original 007 movies, James Bond wasn't the do-gooder that can be seen in the later movies. He was a chauvinist, reckless, trigger-happy, and an all around badass mofo. For those who disagree, go watch Goldfinger. Shortly after that really badass infiltration scene (the likes of which is responsible for the whole tuxedo under the wetsuit thing,) Bond is at a beach-side resort getting a massage from a beautiful woman. When Felix Lighter from the CIA appears, James Bond goes to welcome him and the masseuse follows. Then Bond says, "Well hello there, Felixsh. Let me introdush you to Tammy (I think was her name.) Felixsh, thish ish Tammy. Tammy, thish ish Felixsh. Now run along, Tammy." *Bond puts his hands on her shoulders and turns her around.* "Man talk." *Bond slaps her on the ass and pushes her away.* Oh yeah, what a charmer, eh? =P Anyway, yeah. QoS is awesome.

And I've been playing games. I started off with playing GTA IV: The Lost and Damned. I would give you my impressions, but that would take awhile. Just the other day, dankempster gave his impressions and they pretty much sum up my feelings about the game. It's both a time-saver for me, and a good read. If you haven't made up your mind about whether to get it or not (assuming you have played GTA IV already - there are some GTA IV spoilers in there,) or you're wondering if anyone else might share your view of it, I'd check it out.
























That's not all I've played, however. Currently I'm digging into Prince of Persia (the new one - that is.) I checked out Brad's review, for shits & giggles (I do a lot of things for those reasons,) and therein I saw a game that might be right up my alley. Let me just quickly say that the whole "reviews don't make up my mind, they shouldn't, and never will because I am my own man," is idiotic. Reviews don't brainwash me, and I have bought games that I knew I would like despite poor reception; but by the same token, there have been times when I had made up my mind about a game, but then a reviewer who I tend to agree with showed me a review that changed my mind. Case in point, Prince of Persia. I'm by no means an easily manipulated person, but I'm more open-minded than some might lead you to believe.

Well, I'm glad I went out on the whim and purchased the game. I am having a blast. The art style is beautiful, the puzzles and combat, though easy, are very enjoyable, and the game is all-around fun. The "Prince" is, as Brad aptly put it, a very Han Solo-esque character. He is witty, lighthearted, and crafty, but there is more to him than meets the eye. Through revealing little about him, and only doing so in ambiguously phrased and innocuously vague bits, the game does an excellent job of making you want to learn more about him. This also applies to your companion, Elika, whom you have the option to speak to very frequently (read: whenever you feel like it) and there is an immensely surprising amount of fresh dialogue. And did I mention that you get achievement points for doing so?

Speaking of which, you get achievement points left and right for the most ridiculous things. Bing! Achievement Unlocked: Congratulations, you watched the first cutscene; Bing! Achievement Unlocked: Congratulations, you jumped; Bing! Achievement Unlocked: Congratulations, you blocked; Bing! Achievement Unlocked: Congratulations, you striked; Bing! Achievement Unlocked: Congratulations, you asked Elika a question. Seriously, I shit you not, it's both funny and gratifying.

Anyway, the game is a blast. I am having more fun with the game than I have had in a good while. I highly recommend it.
























That's all in the way of games. Next up at bat I have Dead Space, then The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. After that...well, we'll see. I'll take it from th-woah, this was not a quickerblog. This was more like biggerblog! My bad. =P

Hey! At least, I actually got something down! Anyway, my mom is getting pretty PO'd. I've taken way too long, I have some Ernest Hemingway to read! xD

Be good, GiantBomb.

-BB

Alright, I'm exhausted; even though it's only 10 pm,  I'll keep this brief: Recently I had a blog going, asking Giant Bomb to cast its vote for whether my mom would bake cake or pie for my birthday. Well cake won, by a lot. But when it came time to make this cake, my mom offered up an idea that completely did away with my specifications. Instead, she created a whole new beast. What could have been a cake, became something else entirely. It became a...




























Yes, my mom did that by herself. She's the best. What do ya think?! :D

First off, thanks to everyone who has been wishing me the happy birthdayz. And fortunately, it's been a happy one so far. I woke up at around 10 am, my awesome sauce dogs came into my room and were excited to see me beyond belief. I went downstairs and they showered me with licks and all that good stuff. Better yet, my mom had made pancakes while I was sleeping? Awesome! So I devoured my five pancakes and had some fun with it. Later I went to Best Buy, searching for something (didn't find it) but I picked up the Fallout 3 Collector's Edition (Xbox 360;) inexplicably priced the same as the normal version. Not only that, but I only hit one red light on the way to Best Buy with my 'mum. Not bad, eh? 40 minute drive? moar lik 25 min driv. amirite?!?!?!

Also, (at the time of me writing this) in 15 minutes I am going out to dinner with my whole family (minus the big sis whose in college.) When I come home, I have an amazing cake ready. I will upload the picture to GiantBomb and blog about it (probably tomorrow,) and the image may pleasantly surprise you!

Alas, it's not all fun in games. I am facing down a fork in the road. On one hand, I have almost dedicated myself (blog) to playing Morrowind. On the other hand, I bought Fallout 3 and it's looking fancy. As I only play one game at a time, and I plan on playing one of these until...probably the end of time, I feel brutally torn on the subject. 'Tis a bitch.

This is less of a blog in which I ask for advice and more as a last minute update to the goings on in BiggerBombland. That said, I appreciate the 2c if you're so inclined.

*Checks the clock*

Oh noes! I'm leaving in 10 minutes for dinner and I haven't shaved yet. =/

/wave
/run
/triponobject
/getbackup
/runagain

-BB

I've been trying to get in the blogging mindset, as of late; unfortunately, I have had neither the time nor motivation to do so. Alas, it must be done! I am currently of the belief that the best way to get things done is to have it done habitually. With this in mind, I'm hoping to make the State of the BiggerUnion Address a series of blogs. The SOTBUA (S-AHT-BWA) will be dedicated to recording what's going on in my little world, largely pertaining to my contributions to Giant Bomb and the video games I am playing/want to play. Once in a while, I might talk about movies and PERHAPS the ever-controversial topic of politics; that is, only if the issue(s) is(are) of pressing importance. So without further ado, let's take this for a test drive. Shall we?! :D

Lately I have been getting into the whole wiki'ing business, and I have to say...I really like it. It's damn fun to be a part of the whole process, and the best part is seeing your finished work. It's something to be proud of, something to take pride in, and an opportunity to drink your beverage in a nonchalant manner and say, "Oh that? Yes, yes. That was me, it was no big deal. I did that with one hand, my other hand was solving a Rubik's Cube." Then you have a quiet, yet pompous chuckle, and walk away with the pride of your accomplishment nullified by the shame you feel when you remember that you couldn't solve a Rubik's Cube if your life dep-...wait, what? I digress, my apologies. *Sigh*

Anyway, I've become a bit of an addict. In the last two days I went from roughly 850 points to 2,927 points (but whose counting?) I know that's not a lot, when juxtaposed with the intimidating number of points Lies and Endogene have; all the while, it really feels...it feels cool. And I have to say, it was pretty neat when Brad PM'd me yesterday, complementing me on one of my pages! I felt like a school gir-I really need to stop thinking out loud. Yeah, so that's my wiki'ing news, now let's hand it over to BiggerBomb for video games.

"What have you been playing, BiggerBomb?" you ask. I just finished my second playthrough of Grand Theft Auto IV, and I must say the game is still the best way to make you feel empty inside. For people who may like to feel emotionally numb for a week or two, I highly reccomend this game.

But on a more serious note, the game is jam-packed with sorrow; containing a brilliant undercurrent of satire (TW@ still makes me laugh.) The action is as intense as the first time, the controls are tight, I find the driving ito be perfect (contrary to popular opinion,) and the voice acting is incredible (97.3% of the time.)  Yeah, I think you figured it out by now, I love this game. Also, I did time my second playthrough of the game to coincide with the release of The Lost & The Damned. But I haven't played it yet and I won't until my birthday, which just so happens to be coming up. Hey, look over there! It's a segue!

At time time of me writing this, we are 9 days away from February 28th. February 28, 1992 was the epic day that I was born. February 28, 2009 will be the epic day when I turn the big one-seven. That's right folks, I'm turning 17 in nine days! That means I will be able to get my license and for all you ladies out there, I'm gunna be legal! ;D ;D ;D

All jokes aside, I'm really excited for my birthday. It's on a Saturday, FUCK YEAH! That's not why I'm excited, though. I'm obviously excited 4 teh prezontx0rz. But I still haven't figured out what I want to ask my parents for. I'm thinking of asking for Watchmen, as I hear it's thumpin' good read. Also, as I said above, I'm going to ask 'um if I can spend the cash monies on downloading L&D. Lastly, I'm thinking about asking for F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin. I was a huge fan of the original F.E.A.R., but some of the things I loved most about F.E.A.R. are apparently missing from the sequel. I loved the stress the original put on tactical approaches to a situation, the need for planning out a situation before you run in guns 'a blazin'. And even though I'm not one of those masochist gamers who love to pull their hair out and defeat the purpose of playing a game, that is to have fun; I was still a fan of F.E.A.R.'s difficulty. It made the whole thing more exciting.

Yes, Ryan did give the game four stars. I also watched the review and read the introduction (I'm way too sensitive to spoilers,) yet that isn't necessarily the seal of approval I need. Now don't get me wrong, I trust Ryan's judgement. But, like all humans, we differ in one or two areas. He seems to have enjoyed Condemned 2: Bloodshot more than Condemned: Criminal Origins. That's like heresy to me! I liked Bloodshot a lot, but it couldn't compete with Criminal Origins. And what with all the comparisons Ryan draws between the transition between Criminal Origins to Bloodshot and First Encounter Assault Recon to Project Origin, I'm not so sure that the game might be right for me. I hope that's not the case, I really do. Maybe I should, maybe I shouldn't ask for it. I'll decide in the coming days.

And aside from the aforementioned, I have been thinking of asking for the Xbox versions of KOTOR/KOTOR II; that is, if it can still be found at Best Buy (I'm morally opposed to GameStop.) I have more on the subject of the KOTOR series, Mass Effect (trilogy?,) and the upcoming SWTOR; but look at me, I've turned into a chatter box! That's one epic wall of text above me and I wouldn't blame you if you were a "tl;dr" and decided to not read this/jump ahead in certain spots.

Anyway, if this blog works out, I will continue this potential series with my thoughts on the subjects I mentioned in the paragraph above. So...yup! That's all, folks. Thanks for (hopefully) reading!

-BB

I have been lazy. Actually, I am still lazy. That said, I'm going to try to muster up the energy to blog my thoughts. Anyway, the preface is irrelevant. Let's begin, shall we?! :D

When I think about Microsoft's success in the console race, the first thing that comes to mind is the ever-so-sweet sound of unlocking an achievement. It's a simple, pleasant, and familiar ring that promises to *queue Heath Ledger* "put a smile on that face."
 

It's pretty stupid, if you think about it. But it's the utter stupidity of the achievement system that, paradoxically, makes it so damn ingenious. Achievements are the (virtual) carrot at the end of the stick that manage to create a self-sustained longevity in the games we buy, as well as an incentive to purchase multiplatform games on the Xbox 360; rather than on the competitors' consoles. People even play bad games, in order to get the achievement points! And that's just it, people spend money to unlock achievement points.
 
It's a modern day bread & circus, we have come to a point in time when the consumer will give away their hard-earned cash to up their gamerscore. That's simply incredible. That's quite an achievement (sorry!) This brings me to my main point, or idea, if you will. I've had an easily implemented idea, floating around in my head, that would allow us (the players) an opportunity to earn more achievement points, all the while enabling Microsoft to unlock more of our wallets. What is this idea that I'm taking an unecessarily long time, teasing you with? It's simple: Achievements for Xbox Originals.

First, let me clarify what I mean by this. I'm not suggesting that Microsoft burn through time and resources by creating a set of achievements for all Xbox games that have backwards compatability with the Xbox 360. That would be crazy. What I am suggesting is that Microsoft create achievement tables for all Xbox Originals that are available (and that will henceforth become available) to download on Xbox Live.

The economy sucks right now; and even though people are still buying games, how many of them are spending their money buying last generation games? I'll wager it's not an impressive figure. But Microsoft knows the way we "tick." Microsoft knows what will make us spend money. Microsoft should know that we will pay for achievements.

The key to making a profit is making an incentive for the potential consumer, giving the masses a reason to buy your product. So why not give us an extra reason to buy your product, Microsoft?

This is entirely beneficial to Microsoft and on a personal note, I would love to see this implemented as well. Not only would fans have another reason to replay their favorite titles, but this would also encourage players to purchase games that they either (a) never heard of, or (b) never got around to playing.

I can't predict the future, but I sure as hell would bet a pretty penny that the Xbox Originals program would become far more successful should the promise of achievements be added to the equation. The details could be ironed out by Microsoft, those details being largely comprised of how many achievement points to allocate to XBO's; however, I don't see any reason why the full 1,000 would be less enticing than a mere 200 or so points.

Also, let me mention that achievement points are available for Banjo-Kazooie (the XBLA port of the Nintendo 64 game.) If Microsoft could get achievement points into Banjo-Kazooie, I'm sure Psychonauts would be no more of a challenge to update.

Bottom line: I think this works on so many levels, for both Microsoft and us. When it comes to win/win situations like this, it's always appreciated to see them in full effect.

So please do tell, GiantBomb. What do you think? :D