XBOX 360

As we have had one & been participating in online gaming for about 4 years now, I thought I'd respond.

But first, Clark County Nevada (last I checked some weeks ago) has a dubious 2 tier distinction. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation (in fact the state of Nevada is #1), at 14.7%. In addition, the County has the highest foreclosure rate - 1 in every 48 homes are in some stage of foreclosure. Making Harry Reid's reelection all the more embarrassing as a Nevadan. This county was the fastest growing during boom times, people got over leveraged, and this is the correction. The difference between us and PA is our tax structure is much, much lower. In fact, the state Constitution requires putting a ballot question to the people before raising any state wide tax. The legislature is simply powerless to raise taxes. Wanna guess how the last few tax hike ballot initiatives went? The new governor is cutting, and cutting deep. They have no alternative. So at least we have a path out ... that is if Obamacare etc mandates don't cripple our recovery. The irony for the White House is the national numbers that are improving ever so slightly are based on the contribution of fiscally conservative red states (NV, with its gross spending prior to the bust is not among them, despite their tax rates). While the blue states, which are a microcosm of what Obama's ideology dictates be done nationally, continue to drag those national numbers down ... with any sane press corps this would be made obvious daily, if not hourly.

To the games!

Ok, a few notations, as you are new to this. And by the way, I'm just an adjunct professor in this realm, my eldest son is the Dean. The COD series is one of the best 2 out there (along with Modern Warfare). I prefer COD (as does the dean), because it is historically based. The one before Black Ops was set during WWII. You could play as a member of the US Military or the Red Army, and pursue the Huns accordingly. In the recent addition you are pushing back against the forces of Communism. The entire opening is a history lesson with real black and white footage. Your first assignment is to assassinate Fidel Castro. Now this "mode", referred to as "story mode" is not an option available online. The online mode available is referred to as "co-op", "multiplayer" or simply "versus" mode. The graphics, weapons, real time action, its all the same except it is simply a versus mode, no mission to kill Castro, no story line. You can play against each other in death matches (capture the flag, kill totals, etc) 1 on 1, 6 on 6, even 9 on 9 depending on that particular "versus" game (as I said, capture the flag, search and destroy, team death match etc, etc). In short the online mode is squad on squad, whether its a squad of 1 or 9 (18 total players are allowed).

Now, if that's what you're interested in, yes, online groups form cohesive squads or "clans" as they're referred to. Their rank is displayed next to their name so you know going in how good the opposing squad is. And the technology is incredible - you plug an operator's headset into the controller itself, put it on, and speak in real time to members of your squad around the world. My boy and his peer aged cousin in MS chat & play regularly, 1,900 miles away. In fact with the new Xbox Kinect device (added to the xbox itself), they have gone as far as not needing a controller for some games (a limited amount). You literally page through the selections on Netflix etc, and the console menu options with a wave of your hand, much like Downey went over his blue prints in Iron Man (we didn't purchase that feature yet, not enough games within it to make it a viable option). At any rate, let me warn you. Out of roughly 300 matches I've played against my 11 year old, I've won maybe 5. Our (the Bund's) collective strategy, abilities, tactics, etc are only as good as our physical ability to steady a controller, bring a weapon up, fire, and aim with deadly accuracy. He can snipe me from a football field away before I can cycle my weapon ... I'm just saying. Our abilities would only be brought to bare after hours upon hours of practice - in other words, familiarity with your weapon(s) of choice.

If you prefer "strategy" over action, with still copious levels of blood spilling (but for a cause), Assassins Creed may well serve that function (there are 3 in the series thus far). Strategy is a real and present feature of that game, and the newest addition, "Assassins Creed: Brotherhood" (we just got it for Christmas) may prove our (the Bund's) best chance to play simultaneously. Combating the Knights Templar set on owning Medieval Europe up to modern day is the storyline here. It's also chalked full of all kinds of history that most gamers probably don't give a second thought.

What I'm surprised you football nuts haven't stumbled across (and that description is rapidly one I'm becoming familiar with) is the Madden series, the latest addition being Madden 11. Up to 4 players can engage in a game (up to 2 per team), with the team of their choice, talk to each other (trash talk that is, hehe). The graphics, play options, coaching ability are all the football equivalent to COD. And as an online member you get real time updates. When they're traded in real life, they're automatically traded within your game. Injuries, suspensions, they're all real time updated within the system.And the team's individual strengths are based on the real world team's ability/record. Again, the controller use takes a little getting used to, but my record versus the kids is much better then in other games.

At any rate, go online and play a few rounds of COD, get a feel for the competition (it's steep). Heck, text me your household's online call sign, we'll add you as a friend and when your household goes online we will be automatically notified if we're playing (and vice versa). Instant chat, messaging, live communication, its all available no matter what game you're playing, etc. And now that we all have the same console we can even link up and host a Netflix "party" - simultaneously watch a movie or any other selection. Simply add the 360 as a device under your Netflix account (you're allowed up to 5 devices).

Let me know ... and have fun!