360 Rant Rave Forums

Welcome to our next 360RR Gamer Spotlight. Today we’ll be talking to 360 Rant Rave staff member, Bender Bot 2000.

360RR: Tell us a bit about your gamertag? Do you have any stories behind it? What made you choose “Bender Bot 2000″?
Bender Bot 2000: I’m a huge fan of Futurama and Bender is the greatest.

360RR: Ah in the words of yourself “Who are you, and why should I care?” But enough of that, tell us where you live?
Bender Bot 2000: Mobile, AL

360RR: Good ole Mobile, what do you do there in order to fund your xbox habit?
Bender Bot 2000: I am a cable guy… seriously. But I don’t tell stupid redneck jokes.

360RR: So you must be the Jim Carrey version of the Cable Guy then right? When did you become a member of Xbox Live?
Bender Bot 2000: When Halo 2 came out.

360RR: Ah I recall buying an original xbox just to play halo 2. Who is your best friend on Xbox Live and least favorite person on Xbox Live? Anyone that you compete against on a regular basis?
Bender Bot 2000: My best friend is also my least favorite person because he is the only one on my friend’s list that can go toe-to-toe with me on most games (especially Halo). That would be Jolly Buccaneer.

360RR: I bet that piratey scuz bucket is reading this now! What is your favorite video game of all time, if you could pick just one that is? And then tell us your favorite 360 game!
Bender Bot 2000: Hmm, hard to say. Halo Franchise I suppose, although Bioware and Bethesda games rank pretty high on my list too. Borderlands might take up the top spot though.

360RR: Borderlands is looking good, don’t forget to check out our interview with Randy Pitchford if you have not yet. What is your favorite Game Console and why?
Bender Bot 2000: 360 without a doubt. Great library of games, great online functionality, and the best controller around.

360RR: We all love our Xbox. What is your funniest/ most memorable moment on Xbox Live?
Bender Bot 2000: Either getting a quadruple kill on CoD4 with an enemy’s grenade or Killtacular on Halo 3 SWAT.

360RR: Halo 3 SWAT, so glad I will not be playing that anymore. What is your favorite movie of all time and why?
Bender Bot 2000: It is between the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy or Kung Fu Hustle… I love when action combines with comedy and pirates.

360RR: Kung Fu Hustle was a great movie. Who is your favorite game character and why?
Bender Bot 2000: Myself… Fallout 3, Mass Effect, Oblivion… the best characters are the ones you make yourself.

360RR: Those do seem to be good qualities of those games. What is your favorite band of all time?
Bender Bot 2000: Between Aerosmith and Linkin Park. Don’t make me choose.

360RR: Aerosmith, a classic! iPod or Zune?
Bender Bot 2000: Zune… but I own an iPod.

360RR: A bit confused there are we? What do you think will help to contribute to 360 RR’s growth?
Bender Bot 2000: Tying in Rant and Rave into the site more… like in reviews

Ah yes we just started doing this in some of our reviews, why don’t you check out the recent ones here.

Welcome to our next 360RR Gamer Spotlight.  Today we’ll be talking to 360 Rant Rave staff member, JollyBuccaneer.  Yar!

360RR: Tell us a bit about your gamertag? Do you have any stories behind it? What made you “Jolly Buccaneer″?

JollyBuccaneer: Buccaneer was taken and when it gave me a bunch of adjective I thought they were dumb, so I came up with Jolly as it is most piratical being associated with the Jolly Roger and all.

360RR: Makes sense to me.  Where do you live?

JollyBuccaneer: Mississippi, USA

360RR: The whole state, huh?  Kinda how Palin reads every newspaper & magazine?    What do you do for a living?

JollyBuccaneer: I’m a software Engineer for a company that does Public Services, that is we do mostly government contracts. The boring kind for prison, dmv and other management systems.

360RR: When did you become a member of Xbox Live?

JollyBuccaneer: 10/2/2007, the day I bought my 360.

360RR: A late bloomer, huh?  OK.  Who is your best friend on Xbox Live and least favorite person on Xbox Live? Anyone that you compete against on a regular basis?

JollyBuccaneer: Bender Bot 2000, he’s one of my buddies from home but he now lives in AL with his wife. We have a friendly competition with Gamer Score but tend to like to play with each other instead of against. I dislike people that have annoying voices.

360RR: What is your favorite video game of all time? Favorite Xbox 360 game?

JollyBuccaneer: I would have to say Star Craft:Brood War sucked up more of my time than any other single game, that or Diablo.

I loved Too Human but I have a feeling it will be replaced by Fallout 3 as my current favorite, but I played COD4 more than any other game for the longest. It lasted me from late Oct/early Nov to roughly April/May. Thats a long run as a 360 game.

360RR: Indeed.  What is your favorite Game Console and why?

JollyBuccaneer: N64, it was the first to offer EASY and FUN 4 player games. I do not count the PS1′s adapter and I believe a Sega console had it before but it was not nearly as fun as the games on the N64.

360RR: A good machine it was.  What is your funniest/ most memorable moment on Xbox Live?

JollyBuccaneer: Can’t think of anything overly humorous at the time, but COD4 had some fond memories of some random guy running around screaming. “I will not tolerate this racism” and TKing me and my buddy and the rest of the team over and over b/c we started it, it was all in good humor. There was another time that I was screwing around in a Hardcore search and destroy game and my whole team got killed and it was me vs the other 6 and I came out on top, only memorable if you were there to see it b/c really who’s gonna believe that

360RR: Nicely done.  What is your favorite movie of all time and why?

JollyBuccaneer: “The Count of Monte Cristo”. The story is wonderful, just like revenge.

360RR: A definite classic.  Who is your favorite game character and why?

JollyBuccaneer: I do not think that game characters are developed enough in the market today. Characters just are not built up like they were before. COD4′s main character was pretty awesome but I believe the Captain Price would win this award for me.

360RR: What is your favorite band of all time?

JollyBuccaneer: Have to represent the Metal here and go with Manowar. They have some of the coolest songs that just get you pumped for what ever you have to do. That’s Power Metal for you though

360RR: Nice.  I’m a fan of good metal myself.  iPod or Zune?

JollyBuccaneer: Neither! I’m not that fancy down here yet but I have been considering the iPod. Zune just doesn’t scream anything at me.

360RR: So them thar fancy MP3-amajigs are a might fancy for you folk down on the Mississippi, huh?    (J/K!)  What do you think will help to contribute to 360 RR’s growth?

JollyBuccaneer: We need to develop a better connection with more publishers and developing companies. Though its hard to get noticed by them if we don’t have a user base so its some what of a catch 22. Just getting the name out there and hopefully we’ll get a few more contacts from some big companies.

360RR: Yeah, getting those inside connections can sure be a challenge.  Thanks for the interview, Jolly! 

Welcome to the next 360 rant rave gamer spotlight! Our next spotlight interviewee is 360RR’s own EagleEye2590.

360RR: First off, thanks for coming to the interview, EagleEye. Tell us a bit about your gamertag? Do you have any stories behind it? What made you “EagleEye2590″?

EagleEye2590: I came about my gamertag in November of 2005. I chose “Eagle Eye” because back in the Nintendo 64 days I was known by my friends as having an “Eagle Eye” in Goldeneye 64 for shooting people from far away. Then name really caught on in Halo: CE when I found myself the sniper The “2590″ is just my birth date.

360RR: Where do you live?

EagleEye2590: Born and raised in Austin, Texas although currently residing in the lovely city of Lubbock.

360RR: What do you do for a living?

EagleEye2590: I am a full time student at the moment but I’m probably going to get a job next semester.

360RR: When did you become a member of Xbox Live?

EagleEye2590: Not until Jan 1st 2006, the night/day I waited for 6 hours for my Xbox 360

360RR: Who is your best friend on Xbox Live and least favorite person on Xbox Live? Anyone that you compete against on a regular basis?

EagleEye2590: Well most of my friends on Xbox Live don’t really play a variety of games but if I had to choose one I would say “leavemealone347″ who just changed his GT to “MrTissues.”

360RR: What is your favorite video game of all time? Favorite Xbox 360 game?

EagleEye2590: Favorite video game of all time would have to be Goldeneye 64. Favorite Xbox 360 game is a 3 way tie between Gears Of War, Perfect Dark Zero (yes I know I seem to be one of the only people on the planet that loved that game) and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

360RR: -What is your favorite Game Console and why?

EagleEye2590: I would have to say I have had the most fun with the Xbox 360 but my top 3 are 1. Xbox 360 2. Sega Genesis 3. Nintendo 64.

360RR: -What is your funniest/ most memorable moment on Xbox Live?

EagleEye2590: Probably getting into fake fights with nerds on Perfect Dark Zero with MrTissues.  :)

360RR: -What is your favorite movie of all time and why?

EagleEye2590: I really can’t pick a favorite but I loved Dumb and Dumber, Shawshank Redemption and many many more.

360RR: Who is your favorite game character and why?

EagleEye2590: I have always liked Luigi from Mario Bros from some reason.

360RR: What is your favorite band of all time?

EagleEye2590: Another hard question…. I would have to say Blink 182 though.

360RR: iPod or Zune?

EagleEye2590: I used to have a Zune and loved it but recently got an iPhone so I’m not really sure. We will see if MS can really compete with Apple in the MP3 business.

360RR: What do you think will help to contribute to 360 RR’s growth?

EagleEye2590: I would have to say more exposure from actual MS employees like Trixie or Major Nelson or something like that. Also more members that stick around for long periods of time.

360RR: Thanks for the interview!

Welcome to the second interview of 360 rant raves gamer spotlight! Our first winner is BIGELOW! and this is an interview that tells all of you a little bit about him.

360RR: First off, thanks for coming to the interview.  This will be our 2nd interview, which that I hope will go well!

Tell us a bit about your gamertag? Do you have any stories behind it? What made you “Bigelow”?

BIGELOW: Well its actually from a movie I like Grandma’s Boy Such a funny movie.

360RR: Grandma’s boy is also one of my favorites, such a funny movie… Where do you live?

BIGELOW: I live in Edmonton Alberta..home of the biggest mall in the world..(I think).

360RR: Hmm interesting, What do you do for a living?

BIGELOW: I work with my brother he’s an architect and a contractor so he started his own housing development business so ya I just talk on the phone and walk through work sites such hard work I know.

360RR: Nice, sounds rigorous.  When did you become a member of Xbox Live?

BIGELOW: As soon as halo 2 came out I lived and breathed that game for years!

360RR: Ah, a Halo fanatic!  Who is your best friend on Xbox Live and least favorite person on Xbox Live? Anyone that you compete against on a regular basis?

BIGELOW: Well I have a few good friends on Live xComeHonorBelly, Tsteiner05, Sphinx1986 they’ve been by my side since day one..and enemies? not really by name but pretty much anyone that snipes in FPS.

360RR: Well its always good to stay away from having enemies…  What is your favorite video game of all time? Favorite Xbox 360 game?

BIGELOW: Fav game? wow thats a tough one since I’m ADD so I go through games pretty quick..buut the one with the most logged hours would have to be halo 2 and for 360..not sure don’t think I have a FAVORITE yet but R6V is close wish I would of stuck with the new one DAMN YOU ADD! might give it a shot when the DLC comes out.

360RR: Rainbow 6 Vegas was a favorite of mine too. What is your favorite Game Console?

BIGELOW: Well I use to be a sony fanboy PS2 was great then I got my hands on an xbox with smoothing controls and graphic then never looked back..so the 360 would be on top.

360RR: Yay! What is your funniest/ most memorable moment on Xbox Live?

BIGELOW: oh man good question…umm..theres been so many but probably back when I played alot of R6V man I really can’t recall a particular moment =S.

360RR: What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?

BIGELOW: Boondock Saints! because it’s so well done especially coming from a director that has never directed prior to that movie.

360RR: Boondock Saints is a classic in my book. What is your favorite game character? Mario? Zelda? Master Chief? Tell us why…

BIGELOW: Agent 47 from the Hitman franchise because he’s a hitman and when are hitmen not cool as ****?

360RR: He is pretty badass. What is your favorite band of all time?

BIGELOW: Weezer because I can listen to pretty much everything they’ve done and its all good and I’m not like that with anyone else I will like 1 or 2 songs and thats it but with Weezer it’s all good.

360RR: I also love Weezer! Ipod or Zune?

BIGELOW: Ipod I’m an Apple fanboy.

360RR: Oh No! Well I have an iPhone and love it so I will cut you some lack for being a fanboy. What do you think will help to contribute to 360 RR’s growth during its first year?

BIGELOW: Fanboys!

360RR: Ha, possibly… Well thank you for your time Bigelow and I will see you on Xbox Live sometime!

BIGELOW: No no thank you I love taking the time out to talk to all my fans..=P love you all!

Game on!

Well everyone, our first gamer spotlight of 360 Rant Raves existence is finally up!  Here is a bit about our first spotlight winner and founder of 360 Rant Rave, Frag Monger.

360RR: Tell us a bit about your gamertag?  Do you have any stories behind it?  What made you “Frag Monger”?

FM: Frag Monger was a character name I used to use a lot back in my PC gaming days.  I honestly can’t remember how I first came up with thename.  It actually wasn’t my first choice for gamertag, but in retrospect,I’m glad I had to go with my second choice. :)

360RR: For all who do not already know, where do you live?

FM: I live in Federal Way, Washington – a suburb of Seattle, WA.  Go Seahawks!

360RR: Seahawks? Everyone knows the Cowboys are America’s team! What do you do for a living?

FM: I am a database analyst for the University of Washington, where I administer and maintain the primary alumni and donor database for the University.  I run 360 Rant Rave in my spare time because of my love for gaming.

360RR: Nice. When did you become a member of Xbox Live?

FM: I became a Live member on day 1 - November 15, 2002.  The first gamertag I tried to get was ‘Brewmaster’ since homebrewing is a big hobby of mine.  I was dismayed at the time to discover the tag had arleady been taken, so I became Frag Monger – and I haven’t regretted it since. ;) 

360RR: Wow, been here since the start?  Very impressive. Who is your best friend on Xbox Live and least favorite person on XboxLive?

FM: I don’t really have a least favorite person on Live.  I’m open to gaming with just about anyone.  Of course, I am quite grateful for the ability to mute annoying players, but I don’t bother to take note of who they are.  Once they’re muted, that’s all she wrote!

It’s also difficult for me to name just one person as my best friend on Live.  I’ve gamed with so many great people, including EagleEye2590, undyinggearbox, Jolly Buccaneer, ThumpThis, DooshBIGELOWw, EcHo I, IRISHprik411, Intangible 360, kiki kat, PMS Kitty, Recongoddess, Scullinator, and many, many other great gamers.

360RR: Cool, looks like you have quite a few friends on Xbox Live.  What is your favorite video game of all time? Your favorite Xbox 360 game?

FM: Picking an all time favorite is tough, but I think I’ll have to go with Wolfenstein 3D.  It was the game that first introduced me to my favorite genre, the first person shooter.  I spent coutless hours playing that game.

My favorite 360 game, so far at least, is probably Call of Duty 4.  The intense battlefield feeling it creates is unsurpassed.  Other’s I really enjoy are Gears of War (eager for #2!), Rock Band, Forza 2 and Rockstar’s Table Tennis (very under rated game, IMO).

360RR: Wolfenstein 3D goes way back, a little too far back for me. :) I have to agree that Rockstar Table Tennis is one of the most underrated games on the 360. What is your funniest/most memorable moment on Xbox Live?

FM: My most memorable moment on Live was way back on the original Xbox – it was the first time I ever managed to get ‘Invincible’ in an online match of Unreal Championship.  It requires that you complete an entire match on Live without dying once.  It is, obviously, a rare occurrence.

360RR: Wow, sounds like quite an accomplishment.  On to the next question.  What is your favorite movie of all time and why?

FM: I have a lot of them, but my favorite is probably The Fisher King, staring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges.  It’s a comedy, a drama, a tragedy, a love story, etc. all rolled into one.  It’s also directed by one of my favorite directors, Terry Gilliam (The Meaning of Life, Time Bandits, Brazil, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, etc.)

360RR: Hmmm… I may have to watch that one of these days. Who is your favorite game character? Markus Fenix? Master Chief? Sam Fisher? Tell us why…

FM: I’d have to say Sam Fisher.  I’ve been a fan of the Splinter Cell series since the first title on the original Xbox – and Sam is one bad muther.  Of course Master Chief is a close 2nd – I for one really like that they have never revealed his face.  I hope they never do!

360RR:  Sam is a beast, along with MC.  What is your favorite band of all time?

FM: That would have to be the amazing Canadian rock trio, Rush.

360RR: Rush is a favorite of mine as well.  Ipod or Zune?

FM: Zune, baby!  I’ve gotta have my DVR’d TV shows (which I can get on my Zune but not on an iPod).

360RR: Zune FTW!!!! Where do you see 360 Rant Rave in the next 6 months?

FM: The site technically launched back in August of 2007, but things didn’t really get rolling until just this January.  So 360 Rant Rave is only a paltry six months old.

Over the next six months, I’m hoping to keep expanding the site and adding more features.  I’m currently looking into adding a shout out box on the main site and I’m gearing up for the 2008 Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) coming up in August.  I’m also working to strengthen 360RR’s developer/publisher relationships and preparing to launch a podcast (hopefully beginning with PAX ’08 coverage).

The site’s membership is currently a bit small, but we’ve been slowly growing and more gamers are getting to know the 360 Rant Rave name every day.   

360RR: Podcast?  Sweet!  Well I am sure 360 RR will continue to gain members and become a very major site of the Xbox community!  Anyways, thanks for taking the time for this interview and we will see who is next in line shortly, for the next interview! 

Game on!