Oh Microsoft...

[Americow]

Spoiler: The original email

On April 15, 2010, we will discontinue the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox games playable on Xbox v1 and Xbox 360. In our continuing efforts to evolve the service, we need to make changes to the LIVE service that are not compatible with original Xbox v1 games.
What does this change mean for you?
? It does not affect your ability to play original Xbox v1 games offline, but does remove LIVE connectivity and support for online multiplayer, leader boards, and other online features of these games.
? We realize that you are an avid Halo 2 fan. Unfortunately, with this change, you will not be able to play Halo 2 on Xbox LIVE going forward.
? Although it is difficult to say goodbye to Halo 2, the Halo franchise continues as the benchmark for multiplayer gaming in this generation with Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and soon Halo: Reach. On the Xbox 360, you will continue to have access to the LIVE service where you can enjoy hundreds of other LIVE-enabled games.
When will this change take effect?
? April 15, 2010.
What is Xbox LIVE doing for me?
? To thank you for being a loyal Xbox LIVE customer, we are giving you a free, three-month LIVE Gold membership and 400 Microsoft Points for you to use as you choose on Xbox LIVE.
? In addition, because you've been so loyal to Halo, we are inviting you to participate in the exclusive Halo: Reach Beta.
How do I get these offers?
? You will receive a token for 400 MS points. Check your Xbox LIVE account messages on the console. These points can be used for 365 days after you activate your token.
? We are extending your Gold membership by three months automatically. The extension will be directly reflected in your LIVE account.
? Finally, as the beta gets closer, you will receive an e-mail containing the code granting you access to the exclusive Halo: Reach Beta.

From this E-mail, you may think I'm down on my luck. "An avid Halo 2 fan? Man that sucks!"
Actually though, I'm not a fan of any Halo games, I merely had Halo 2 on my system and never played the online. Now I'm into a beta for Halo: Reach and I'm not even a fan of the series.

So with this stroke of luck, I was wondering what you should think I should do with the MS points. (That stuff about Halo was just an entertaining story, comment on it if you wish.)

 

[ThePreshFrince]

Whoa. Microsoft rules. That's right, I said it.

 

[PiggyGamer]

Lucky break.
Buy some Fallout 3 DLC at 50% off for one week only?

 

[Amnestic]

Cheap hookers or Oblivion Horse Armour.

 

[About To Crash]

Check out the indie games, see if anything there tickles your fancy. Also, your avatar is terrifying.

 

[aPod]

Cheap hookers or Oblivion Horse Armour.

Money well spent.

I would just save it up till you got an add-on you actually want.

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

Gunstar Heroes.

Best 400 points ever.

A great version with online coop!

Of the best Genesis game ever.

 

[Brotherofwill]

That seems like a really cool e-mail. The beta isn't that neat, although it's really nice that they give away free points for you.

 

[Irridium]

Well if you want to waste those points and like Mass Effect 2, you could spend it on the costume pack coming March 32rd [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.182559-New-Mass-Effect-2-DLC-Alternate-Appearance-Pack-adds-new-costumes-Comes-out-March-23rd]

But if you don't like Mass Effect, then I say find a cheap funny movie on xbox live to watch.

 

[Audioave10]

Save up those points for something better.

 

[luvd1]

horse armour. Can't go wrong with horse armour.

 

[CheckD3]

I'm proud of MS for actually caring about their fanbase, which is more than can be said for someone else (won't say any names)

Spoiler

Nintendo!!!

I'm a Sony guy nowadays, free online is what helps me stick with them...that and God of War III ^^ But because they try to make games that aren't too...repetitive. I never played Halo 2, but did play 1 and 3, and they were pretty much the same, a generic shooter that gained popularity off of MS's lack of exclusivity at the time, and launched it's fanbase then. I'm however PROUD of Bungie (and MS for keeping Bungie) for them FINALLY giving Halo something new. I've seen the Reach stuff, and find that it looks like a game I would consider getting XBL for eventually someday, since I can't play it on my PS3. For now I'm fine with MW2, and until that dies out or I find a new online obsession, I'll be online with that. But at least they changed stuff around from CoD4 -> MW2 (though Activision became more of a buttfucking dickfaced ************ overall...), it was more fresh than Halo and it's continuous crap. ODST...why would you try to repackage H3 with a new campaign and the same multiplayer. Alright if the price was lower, but full price for half new content? That's just low...

 

[metalmmaniac]

costume pack coming March 32rd [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.182559-New-Mass-Effect-2-DLC-Alternate-Appearance-Pack-adds-new-costumes-Comes-out-March-23rd]

March 32rd? that just blew my mind.

on a more related note, thats pretty cool. i never had live on the original xbox, but i can understand how people would be bummed who played halo 2. pretty cool of microsoft actually.

is it me, or is the Reach beta getting given away with tons of stuff? haha