I get worked up playing games, I pretty much always have. I take my virutal worlds VERY seriously. While there is plenty of anger at being bested by an online, human opponent, I really only have myself and my opponent to blame. In a cooperative environment, such as the Left 4 Dead 2 demo, I am surrounded by three very prime, very juicy scapegoats. Today’s comic is a depiction of my fury and rage, although I would like to mention that I have never threatened multiple homicide.

To my credit, I almost always apologize afterward.

My Xbox 360 red ringed yesterday. I was unsure how to feel. Naturally, it is every 360 owner’s fear to see those ominous, three flashing lights, but having owned my Xbox for nearly three years, I assumed it was inevitable.

At first I was almost amused at the sight of the red ring, as the Xbox is basically just a disaster just waiting to happen. My amusement was then replaced with sadness, as I have been enjoying Borderlands with a friend of mine, and I am almost certain that he will be “past” the game in the three or so weeks it will take for my Xbox to get repaired.

Then frustration set in, as the mailing label that I was given to print off was not only unable to print, but completely invisible. Tech support, to its credit, was surprisingly useful and competent, but now I have to wait an additional 3-5 days for them to send me a mailing label.

Then more sadness set in, as I realized that the Xbox is my only means of playing DVDs (other than a computer). So for a long 3-4 weeks, I will be without Netflix support. I suppose DVD players aren’t much of the priceless space tech they were several years ago, but money, no matter how small the amount, is still money.

At least Left 4 Dead 2 comes out in a week, so I can occupy my time screaming and swearing at friends.

As much as people yell at Microsoft, I am sure that the company is probably the least happy about the red ring of death. While registering my console online, I found myself thinking “I hope someone was fired for this.” Then I stopped. I think it is very likely that someone was fired over the red rings. I am guessing that paying for for the shipping and repair of thousands of Xbox consoles is somewhat bad for business.

I feel bad for those people, honestly. I am sure it was not intentional. While it’s inconvenient for me, at least it’s not costing me any money.

I had also forgotten, until just now, that a similar thing happened to my Gamecube the same year I bought it. Go figure.

-Nathan