Devauld.ca

Some of you know that I purchased an X-box 360 in an attempt to move away from PC gaming. I've been really happy with the decision, now being able to just sit and play a game when the desire strikes. I never realized how much time I spent just making my computer work, until I stopped using it.

One thing that makes the 360 rock, is the Live network that Microsoft has in place and which their competators are going to take a stab at replicating and improving. On the basic level it connects you to the internet, but it really delivers so much more than that. You can see what your friends are doing, and compare your scores and achievements against theirs. Live has a fully functional messaging and chat system, as well as an online marketplace. The way it is all integrated makes the entire experience seemless.

The level to which this type of system has changed gaming hit me last night. Over the last couple of days Live has been down for maintenance, but upon it's return Lumines could be found in the online marketplace. It was only a couple of minutes from the time I decided that I wanted it, to the time I was playing it. I didn't have to get dressed leave the house, I had almost instant gratification, and it just worked. While it was downloading I was able to puruse the marketplace and find other things that I wouldn't mind downloading including strategy clips, free game demos and a couple music videos.

Anyone who really knows me, can understand what I have to go through to say: This time, Microsoft really got it right.