Musings from a 30-something Gamer » General

Red Ring Follow-up

Canis Firebrand — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:50:42 +0000

What an adventure these past few days have been. As if trying to recover from a RROD was not enough, then I had the distinct pleasure of running into a brickwall concerning Microsoft’s licensing and their DRM for purchased and downloaded content through the Marketplace on the 360.

Once I set up the 360 and ensured that I was able to log in and launch a game, I proceeded to check on the downloaded content that I had previously purchased and placed on my system’s hard drive. The content was still intact and I was able to access it. That was, however, until I logged off to check the arcade games. As expected, the arcade games would only play in trial mode. I knew that this would happen because content purchased is tied not only to the gamertag that purchased it but also the console id it was downloaded to while signed in. Armed with this information, I set out on a frustrating excursion to remedy the roadblock thrown up before me.

This past summer, Microsoft bestowed upon its website a DRM tool that allows you to transfer all licenses on other consoles you logged into and purchased content on to a single console id. However, for whatever reason, the tool would not work for me and I could no do a transfer of licenses through the website. Generally you should not be buying content on another console, but people will do so when visiting friends, or using another persons console for whatever reason. The issue with the DRM is that if you have a console fail on you and get it replaced, all of your purchases on that defective console are tied to that console id. On your replacement console, you will not have the licenses and only be able to use that content while signed in. Normally I use my content while signed in as I admitted in a previous post that I am all about the achievements. However, there are times when I wish to game in silence or allow a friend to play one of the arcade games I bought signed in with their own profile or while not logged in at all. Because of having my console replaced, this option was taken away from me.

All said and done, it took me 6 calls to Microsoft to have the issue straigtened out. The first call was to report the problem. While on hold to be escalated to their higher up support desk, the call was disconnected. Call number 2 was able to get me in touch with a supervisor that took down my information and let me know that my issue would be investigated by yet another part of the helpdesk and that I would receive a call back or an email with status. A day went by with no email or call. So, call 3 was to check on the status and I was told that nothing had been updated and there was no status to report. Cal 4 actually came in from Microsoft. They asked me to fax over some information from the old console and the new console as well as a copy of the receipt showing the new console serial number. I did as asked and again waited. The next day I received call number 5 from Microsoft advising me that my request to transfer the license was denied because I upgraded my system and because I did not provide an exchange receipt. After running around in circles explaining my issue to the person on the phone, a highly frustrating experience because the helpdesk is not located in the USA, I ended the call quite upset. The next day, I called in again to open a new issue. I explained that I was unable to use purchased and downloaded content while offline because of DRM. I explained that I had a 360 Elite system that had a 3 red ring hardware failure and that I had the console replaced by Best Buy and received a 360 Elite system in return. He asked for the old console id, new console id and new console serial number. He then stated that he would start the process and that I should receive an email or call within 5-10 business days letting me know when it was completed. Two days after that call, I received an email message that stated my request was completed, all licenses were transfered to my new console id and that I woul have to download all content again to have the licenses refresh. So, many hours yesterday going through my purchase/download history and I am completely squared away with DRM and can use my purchased content on or offline. Phew. If only the first call had gone that smooth.

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No Canis, I cannot allow you to play a game tonight.

Canis Firebrand — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:14:13 +0000

In what seemed to be a normal Wednesday(3/18) night, the unwanted occurrence happened. I sat down to get in some time with my precious…. I picked up the controller, pressed the big xbox button and attained happiness as the familiar sound of the 360 dashboard came into view. Entered a code in the marketplace to download the Halo 3 Mythic Map pack and navigated to the active downloads screen to monitor its progress. Things going well, downloading fairly quickly until it hit about 46%. Out of the blue, the 360 screen flickers and goes dark. The power light was still on the 360, but nothing was responding. So, since I could not turn it off and then back on with the controller button, I get up to press the power button. A few seconds pause and I turn the 360 back on.

Houston, we have a problem. :( As soon as the 360 sound plays, the big 360 globe that you see before you are taken to the dashboard comes on the screen and freezes. Power off and on the system, same behavior. Frustrated, I turn off the system, unplug the power brick and let it sit for a minute. Plugged everything back in and turned it in.. Ah, bliss… the dashboard comes up, I get logged in and again navigate to the active downloads screen. Sadly, this would be the last thing that I see. As soon as the progress meter shows on the screen, the system freezes completely. Again, getting up to turn it off and then back on, I am greeted by a very odd sound and then the heartbreaking visual shown above. :( My 360 has died.

Luckily, I rememberd that I had bought this system not that long ago when I replaced my launch, Core unit. I sold that system and used the money to offset the cost of the Elite system. I also purchased Best Buy’s product replacement plan, a very wise decision. So, when I bought the system, it cost me $449.99 + tax for the system and $79.99 for the PRP. When I got to the store with my system and receipts, the CSR said they would have to test my system first to verify the failure. After testing it, I could see the flashing red lights from behind the counter. She started the replacement process. After 15 minutes, she had rung me up for a new 360 Elite system and new PRP on that unit. I paid an additional $6 and change for the replacement. $399.99 + tax for the Elite, price drop FTW and $59.99 for the PRP, another price drop. I had expected to have to pay $20+ for a new PRP, I did not know that dropped in price. In addition, the Elite came with the 2 game bundle of Lego Indy and Kung-Fu Panda.. So, I got to keep that as well. Consider me very happy. All said and done, I was only out of comission for one night of gaming. I hope my new 360 loves me more then the discarded one.

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Gaming guilty pleasures, the allure of Achievement Unlocked

Canis Firebrand — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:13:08 +0000

Life, for a gamer, is usually filled with those triple A, blockbuster titles. If you could take a snapshot of a every persons gamer profile on XBox.com, you would be hard pressed to find a person that has not played Halo 3, Call of Duty, Project Gotham Racing, any of the numerous Madden titles. You might be thinking to yourself what kind of point I am trying to make by stating the obvious. If you will indulge me, I’ll get this train into that station eventually. We all know and love these titles, for that is what makes us gamers. However, lurking under the surface are those things that many try hard to bury. Some are sucessful and their guilty secrets never see the light of day. While still others let those embarassing entries show because they are not concearned about the reaction of their fellow gamers. Or maybe it is because they choose to view those games as a sort of badge that screams “I am a gamer, I care not what you may think of me by the games that I keep!”

Part of being in the public eye, perhaps a tad more then the typical gamer, I wear my gamercard like a badge. I fully admit to being an achievement whore and enjoy seeing my gamerscore climb. Given a choice between systems on a multi-platform title, the 360 will always be my console of choice. Sure, I tell people the reason is because I like the Live experience and its ease of use and ability to quickly see what friends are doing and/or invite them to my game. But deep down, I want the achievements and that little sound that they greet me with as they pop-up up their message on my screen. Achievement Unlocked, indeed.

There is just something that is infectious about that sound and visual display. It drives many to play games that they would be embarassed to have found in their collection. With the 360 being just over three years old, there is a vast library of games out there from which to choose. The other great thing is that some of the gems released in previous years are now at bargain prices and require less of a financial commitment. For instance, Bioshock can be found for $19.99 or less at most stores. One of my favorite games on the 360 is now one third of the price I paid for it. You cannot go wrong. This has also led to many lesser titles, also bargain priced, to flood the market and allure gamers with the promise of that sweet, sweet siren song and visual cue.

My Gamercard will usually display Halo 3, Call of Duty and usually Burnout Paradise somewhere in there in the five most recent games. Other games will vary based on my mood or what other people might be playing at the time. Now, you might be wondering where the mention of those games that make me guilty of being an achievement whore are. Well.. I’m going to leave that as an exercise for the reader. I don’t want to give away all of my dirty secrets. I will say, however, that most of my games have been ones that should not be cause for scorn… And some of the titles in my list were played purely because of a morbid sense of curiosity, Dash of Destruction XBLA game, anyone? Others were played for a gaming competition designed to increase gamerscores. That is how one of the titles, Cars, ended up in my list. While mainly aimed at children, the game did have some depth to it and it was quite challenging in some spots. It helps that the Cars Pixar movie was really well done and that translated to a decent video game adaptation.

So, what is your dirty little gaming secret?

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Being for the benefit of Canis Firebrand

Canis Firebrand — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:41:50 +0000

Welcome to my little corner of the world. This is a pretty new place and as such, there isn’t much going on.

Over time, I hope to post many interesting things that I am sure will captivate you.

I do hope you enjoy your stay.

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