[quote] The zombie apocalypse is upon us. Most of humanity has already fallen to the hordes of flesh-eaters. You have survived because of your ingenuity, cat-like reflexes, and dashing good looks. As you travel in search of food, you find a grizzled old man who offers to give you a powerful weapon. Now is your chance to make a difference in this battle against the undead. You can choose any one weapon, real or fictional. What do you choose and why? [/quote] The weapon I'd choose would have to be the needler. It's such an understated weapon, yet so effective and majestic. [quote] What do you think is missing from video games right now? [/quote] Cause and effect spring to mind. I've played so many games where being competitive is all part of the gameplay, but when things go awry because of a betrayal in Halo, or being rammed off the road in Forza, for example, nothing really happens to change the behaviour of the offending individual. Booting them simply moves the problem on, it doesn't deal with it. And the same goes for Forza. Being rammed off the road on a tricky corner so the person behind can use you to slow down and get round simply reinforces their behaviour. It doesn't change it. Perhaps a time out would be more effective; with additional quitting penalties should they decide to pull the plug. Or more severely; when Halo: Reach was first released there was obviously an interest in acquiring armour. So losing some of that due to bad behaviour would, I think, have forced the player to reconsider their approach. I also think huge bonuses for teamwork would help as well. [quote] How and when did you first fall in love with Halo? [/quote] I was following the development of Halo CE since it was first mentioned in a computer magazine in the late 90s. One highlight was the suggestion that the Master Chief's visor would be able to reflect the surrounding environment, which obviously suggested a step up in graphics. But, when playing it in a supermarket in the UK in 2001, it was actually the fresh approach to gaming that I liked -- no end bosses; allies that are there to fight alongside you, not behind you; an interesting but non-intrusive storyline. And, of course, majestic vistas of uncompromising beauty. I was immersed. [quote] Do you think the game community could be doing more to cut down on harassment or unsporting behaviour in general? [/quote] Definitely. We have a personal responsibility for online behaviour and conduct but I think some of the younger players don't fully realise this. We 'Old School' players generally have a more mature attitude to gaming, and probably some kids to boot (not physically of course). So responsibility is nothing new. I think of gaming as an extension of our imagination. So instead of playing outside with a bunch of friends, pretending to be soldiers, we simply jump online and play Call of Duty or Battlefield. But because of the advancement of technology there isn't a defined distinction between the pair. Gaming is fun. And it should be promoted as such. [quote] What is the most memorable positive experience you had with a stranger while gaming online? [/quote] I played Battlestations Midway when it was released for the 360. And one evening I found myself in the online company of a group of fellow Brits. One player asked me what enemy vessels I wanted taking out, and the other two managed air superiority. We played together for hours and were unbeaten in every match. But I forgot to send a friend request and, as far as I know, have never played with them since. Gutted. [quote] What's the best game in your opinion - in terms of value/dollars ratio as opposed to raw quality - that came out this year? [/quote] I'd have to look back a year and suggest Skyrim. It's the first Elder Scrolls game I've played and I love the freedom that you have. It's not perfect. But it's far better than I thought it would be. You can play it a dozen times and walk a different path every time. [quote] If you could easily teach a thousand people one idea, what would it be? [/quote] Put the puppy in the basket! [quote] Is there one game (other than Halo) that you can point to that really hooked you and turned you into a gamer? What was it and why? [/quote] I started gaming when I was six (1980) and was hooked on the surprisingly simple range available at the time. A firm favourite of mine was a tank game on my brothers' Grandstand console. The graphics were so blocky that a plate of diced carrots could have been used instead. But I loved it. It was simple, honest fun. [Edited on 09.21.2012 2:29 AM PDT]