News

Achievements... not for the faint of heart

By DAVID WORTHINGTON

I’ll be the first person to tell you, I think Xbox’s got something with the achievement system. Who does not want to get rewarded for playing games? I love it every time that little circular-rectangle pops up and tells me that I have more gamerscore.

Blood, sweat, tears, and lots of bad words helped me get this achievement.

The sad thing is, these points mean nothing unless you’re the one playing the game. The more difficult the achievement the more proud you are to display the fact that you have it.

Now, I have to admit that last week I faced the meanest achievement known in my gaming career. That achievement is known as The Mile High Club. What in the world was Infinity Ward thinking? I have never been so frustrated in my life. The level took me forever! I lost count around my 1,203,542th attempt.

For those of you who haven’t finished the game or even played Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat here’s a quick-notes version. Fight your way through a plane with four flash bangs to the end where you must shoot this terrorist in the head. Not so hard is it? Did I mention this must all be done in under a minute? One Minute!!!

I made it to the end of the level three times. Count them three. The first time I got to the end and shot the terrorist in the leg. Big mistake! The screen pops up saying "True veterans aim for the head." WTF!!! Ahhhhh, fine, fine I’ll go back and try it again.

Second time, many attempts later, I make it back and aim my shot and shoot the hostage in the head... just my luck. So, finally I get all the way back to the end and finally shoot the guy in the head, the right guy this time, and beat the level.

I have to admit that I have never had a video game whip my tail that many times. But, it was worth it now when people look at my achievements they see that Mile High Club. It gives you a certain amount of pride. Especially when you are trying to beat the level before your friends do. I have to give a shout out to my friend Sminkleforg who beat the level a little while after myself.

If you’ve got an achievement that you are proud of send it in and let me know about it. Just email my orcs at gamer@northfloridanewsdaily.com or via Xbox live to Sauria Rex.