Xbox Living

I have a bit of a hard time with achievements. The problem is not really with the system itself, or the concept of achievements, but with those that abuse it.

I’m all for going for achievements. I think they’re fun, and a nice addition to the Xbox Live community. I also have no problem with a little “trickery” and creativeness when trying to get these achievements. Perhaps there’s one that’s pretty hard to get, but there’s also a nice way around it. Rewards for cleverness are fine by me.

What I have a problem with is straight-up achievement boosting. Let’s say I’m playing Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, and I want the 10 kills with a sniper rifle achievement. Now, I can do this two ways:

1. I can be sneaky, and smart. I can navigate my way around the map carefully and take out enemies one by one with a sniper rifle. I can understand that this isn’t easy, that I’ll probably need to try a few times and that I may break a controller or two in frustration after someone shoots me in the back 9 kills in.
2. OR I can get a buddy or two to play with me. I can have them stand in front of me and I can shoot them without even looking through my scope. I’m done in no time.

Option 2 is certainly much easier, much less hassle and will get me my Expert Sniper: Online achievement and the 25 gamerscore just as Option 1 will.

However, with option 2, I have not achieved anything. I have no achievement. Sure, I have something called an “Achievement”, but it wasn’t earned legitimately. I’ve forefeit all bragging rights — in fact, if I brag about my Gamerscore after using Option 2, I’m a liar, and a loser.
My gamerscore reflects this sentiment. It’s not high, and I’m not good at getting Battlefield 2 achievements. Oh well. If you have a legitimately higher gamerscore, congrats. I applaud your skill. If you have more achievements than me because you cheated, I don’t really care. Your vanity and possible cowardice do not impress me.

It’s hard to trust anyone’s gamerscore, unless it’s really low. That’s a shame.