We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Avatars!
If you’re ever tried to search for a download on Xbox Live then you know that the interface makes it time-consuming and difficult to find what you’re looking for. The interface has been long overdue for an overhaul, so there was little surprise at E3 in July when Microsoft announced that it was also overhauling the entire blade system and replacing gamer pics with new Mii-inspired avatars. This has got to be the worst news that came out of E3 this year. The loss of blades is disappointing enough on its own, but what is really depressing is the addition of the game avatars. I like gamer pics - they’re a simple and unique way to personalize your gamer tag. I want to keep the scowling monkey that I’ve used as my face to other gamers since I bought my 360 when the system launched. Now I’m going to be forced to spend a lot of time creating a teenaged-looking, slightly effeminate, baggy clothes-wearing avatar to prance around the screen while I’m in a lobby waiting to play Gears of War 2 or something. Thanks a lot Microsoft. Do you really think that cutesy avatars are going to persuade soccer moms to buy an Xbox 360 instead of a Wii for their six year olds? Like everyone else, I have a Wii that sits by the TV gathering dust until the next first party Nintendo game is released or friends who’ve heard of the Wii but haven’t played come by for a visit. Personally, I have a very low tolerance for the cutesy Miis and peppy elevator music tunes that accompany everything you do on the Wii. When I want to get my game on I invariably power on my 360 and sign on to see my scowling monkey staring back at me and crank up the speakers. Now I’ll be greeted by a peppy avatar and be filled with loathing for what’s been lost. Once again, thanks a lot Microsoft for trying to ruin a gamer’s system in in the hopeless attempt to get grandma to plunk down cash for a 360. I can only hope some game developer uses XNA to create an avatar torturing game. You killed my monkey, you bastards!
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