Something that already seemed pretty obvious to me is newly released research suggesting that gamers prefer to play a game based on the perceived quality of it's achievements.

According to the study, better achievements equate to higher review scores and better sales.

Why this isn't entirely obvious to anyone who plays games is pretty strange to me.

In fact, what I find even more strange is both Nintendo and Sony's apparent total neglect of an achievement based system.

I think that Microsoft have really come across something that has become a big selling point for the 360. They've managed to come up with a system that the PS3 and Wii don't have that, according to this research, sells games.

I for one have often thought about buying non-360 games, but ended up not doing so because, or primarily because of the lack of any achievement points.

If I'm going to play a game without achievements, it has to be something that I really enjoy playing.

A real 'killer app' like (possibly) Mario Galaxy on the Wii.



Source: http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/827/827837p1.html

I'm steadily racking up the points now.

I have to admit that I didn't think that it would take this long, but I've eventually reached over 8000 points.

Or 8190 at the time of writing to be precise.

I've managed to recover from the repetitive drain of lap after lap of the same dull tracks in Forza 2, and have now started playing another circuit racer in PGR4.

It's a lot more varied than Forza 2, and the arcade feel makes it easier to think of it in almost completely different terms.

I've already managed to get most of the easier points, so it'll probably be a good few hours of playing before I get the next big amount.

I managed to get 535 from PGR3, so if I can get around the same this version, I think I'll just be happy to play it without being bothered about getting much more.

I've also been playing a lot of FIFA 08.

It's not brilliant.

It has some huge problems with the AI.

Having said that, it is a pretty good game online.

I've got 280 points from it so far, with a fairly easy 60 that doesn't seem too far away.

The problem with playing this game for the points, though, is that EA seems to have tried to make most of them long term targets.

There are only a few points for finishing seasons in different leagues, which could take ages, depending on how long you set the match length.

Anyway, it's been quite fun online so far. Even when people quit, because I still get a win, which goes towards my 100 online wins achievement.

The Orange Box is due out on Friday.

More first person shooting on the way!

Here are the reasons that Sony won't be tempting me to buy a PS3, even at £299

1. GAMES
I already have most of the PS3 catalogue on 360. The only exclusives are either not out yet, not interesting to me, supposed to be out already/soon but are delayed or will probably come out on the 360 eventually.

Add to that the fact that I wouldn't even be able to pick up PS2 games for a quick blast at a low price if I ever felt like it.

2. ONLINE
"Oh, it's free on PS3, it's free!" Yeah, with no gamer points... I might as well stick to PC gaming if I just want free online play. Plus, Home looks too far off and not good enough.

3. LAST GEN FEATURES
Yeah, looks like I'd have to wait all the way until 2008 just to get rumble... Why??

Sony! These are the things that gamers are waiting for! Not fewer features at a lower price!!

WAKE UP!