I thought I’d make up a list since we’re nearing the end of the year and the holidays are upon us.  These are my own little reasons and none that you have to agree with.  It’s just for discussion and viewing.  But hey, you guys and gals trust me so pay attention.

DeaconBlade’s  11:

Cost – If you’re looking to get into the next generation of gaming with high definition games and digital distribution of movies etc.  The most affordable place to do that is with the Xbox 360.  $399 US gets you in the game!

Gears of War – If you haven’t played it, I suppose you won’t understand.  But I’ve witnessed this game convert a die hard PS3 fan into an Xbox 360 owner on the spot.  Word.

Xbox Live – Is there any online network better in console gaming?  Friends management, selection of online games, leaderboards etc.  It’s a network that has no rival. 

BioShock – I’m listing this because you just don’t want to have even a remote chance of missing what will become of this game.  The trailer at X06 was amazing!

Ease of Use/Setup – What?  That’s right.  Can a next generation console possibly be easier to use or setup right from the start than this?  Choosing a name (no random numeric # to remember here), having all your friends recognize you no matter what game you’re playing, getting connected to Xbox Live, purchasing downloadable content…all done with the controller.  And now you can even access some of these features directly from the internet. 

Viva Piñata -  Did you think I’d leave this surprisingly addictive game off of my list?  No way, especially after I went on a personal Piñata recruiting mission.  Don’t miss out on the Piñata! 

Design – Who wants to be stuck with no way to customize your console?  There are dozens of faceplates and skins to make your Xbox 360 more personal.  And the design doesn’t stop with the console itself as you can customize the look of your Xbox 360 dashboard just the same by sticking a personal photo in the background or simply downloading a new theme or Gamerpic!  Are you in love with Gears of War?  Well show it by grabbing the Gears of War faceplate.  Easy peezy.

Xbox Live Arcade – The 360 isn’t fit for kids?  Please.  Need a bit of retro or some quick action with a not-so involved title?  How about trying some Pac-man, Cloning Clyde, Doom or Small Arms on for size then?  The Xbox Live Arcade is a bridge to yesteryear with a game like Digdug while being a breeding ground for originality for others with games like Cloning Clyde.  No matter your taste or age, you can find something quick and fun with the Arcade. 

Xbox Live Marketplace – Game demos, HD content, TV shows, themes, In-game content, picture packs, new maps…you name it!  Trying out the latest game before you buy it or downloading one of your favorite TV episodes is all here now and easily done right in the Marketplace. 

Halo 3 – I suppose I couldn’t leave this little puppy out.  I will admit to being de-Halo’d a bit after Halo 2 but what I’ve seen of Halo 3, I can tell my faith in the Master Chief may well be restored.  You do not want to miss the ending of this trilogy!

Parental Controls – You can never have too much protection in this day and age.  To have tools within your console that help you protect your child or that crazy uncle you have from seeing or playing content that’s not suitable is a huge plus.  Protection is made simple with the Xbox 360. 

Xbox 360 Laws  -  What other console has some fun and humorous laws to abide by that the community itself has made up?  Ok, this isn’t actually in the 11 but still, where can you find a community that creates and interacts like the one we are all a part of?

So shake your tail feather and jump in already!