Can you finish the fight without using the N-word?

Yes, I was one of the people who purchased a copy of Halo 3 last week. While I didn't help Microsoft gross $170 million in the first twenty-four hours, making the game the most successful entertainment launch in U.S. history, I was caught up in the hype and had to get a copy to see what all the fuss was about.

This week I've been switching back and forth between Halo 3 and Viva Pinata.

To get a sense of just how crazy the Halo 3 'launch' was, check out these photos from St. Cloud, Minnesota, where a contributor to the oft-read Xbox 360 Fanboy blog is from.

Generally speaking, it's a fun game. The graphics are sweet and the enemy AI even act somewhat realistically--sometimes. The most fulfilling parts of the game involve the vehicles--firing on choppers from the back of a warthog, taking down scarabs, or hopping on top of a wraith tank to plant a grenade in its core.

With most games, the story is a big part of the overall satisfaction to the game; at least for me it helps me understand my motivations for continuing. In Halo 3 this was often lost.

I started playing a bit online--this game is primarily being sold for its online play features.

Let me just say, I fucking hate Xbox Live.

It's great for downloading content--extra levels, extra toys, videogame demos, videos, etc. But for the most part, the other people playing online are fucking idiots.

After being teased pointlessly for being a 'newbie' I had to endure strings of expletives, homophobic taunts, and the occasional n-word. In the end, it was too much.

Sadly, the best part of the Xbox 360--it's online features--has become it's worst.