Just Intimating 3

So, the Solstice/Xmas season has passed. Got a couple/few new MEGA Construx or off-brand (LEGO-likes). There is still one more MEGA and a Kinex Marble Coaster Run (which i'm not sure qualifies) that i have left to put together.

Yes, i make mistakes and following directions has never been my strongest attribute. Assembling stuff without my fear of power tools creeping in.

They had to screw up Windows Photo App (on garbage Windows 10) didn't they? i long for days where stuff worked and wasn't updated all of the time.

First up was a Solstice addition that i didn't think i would find. It was a Target exclusive and a little bit pricey, but i think was the best build of the group (so far). MEGA Xbox 360 with 1,342 pieces. Including 4 batteries. The batteries are in the controller (picture 3), the inside Xbox Logo (picture 2), The Cortana thing (bottom part of picture 2), and the power button (picture 3). The battery time is limited, couldn't get to last long enough for picture 2 lights. Also, sure some of the stuff in picture 2 is slightly off where it should have been. At least it didn't have any fricking stickers - looking at you LEGO.

MEGA batteries seem to be worse than the LEGO counterparts. LEGO batteries are more of a push impact point (like a side button you push in). MEGA batteries are push top activation (and you build on top of that).  Part of this will be very hard to disassemble and rebuild (the controller). 

The achievement unlocked thing was an awesome touch. Though it should have been 150 points. This measures about 9" tall. Though in the real world, i never used my Xbox 360 in that orientation. If MEGA had similar product offerings, i would probably go with MEGA over LEGO.

In many ways, the Xbox 360 was my peak gaming. Achievements, Xbox Live Arcade, LIPS, Game Room, last generation of non-installed completed games. i still had some twitch reaction capability. It was also the beginning of the end - patches, horse armor (microtransactions), game installs, etc. i miss sales tax free Microsoft Points (that 10% adds up). 

My first console looked like a bigger, less blocky version of this model. It lasted a little over 2 years before getting the dreaded red ring of death. Traded in its replacement for a 360 S around my birthday in 2010 (i think). Overall, 4 total consoles.  i currently have 2 Xbox 360 S consoles (sort of had two addressed for a while).

This is a reference to Xmas past. In 2005, i wanted this and changed the lyrics to Xmas songs to include the Xbox 360 (like "I want an Xbox 360 for Christmas, "I'm Dreaming of a White Xbox 360", etc). i couldn't get one at launch, but i think i did before Xmas. i know i had Kameo before launch, can't remember the rest of the titles.

Next up was an Xmas present - a Givenni Architecture Series: Acropolis of Athens. This design was apparently ripped off of some LEGO user site and used without permission. Yes, this is an off-brand LEGO style set of 1,947 pieces, supposedly compatible. The pieces feel somewhat smaller and more rigid. It is harder to put them together than LEGOs. It is a pretty big set - probably between the size of the LEGO Giza Pyramid or Himeji Castle.

The directions were ok, until step 58 or so. i couldn't tell exactly which pieces were being used. It is better to use LEGO style directions with the Acropolis (top part) with all of the columns than what was suggested here. Put the small pieces in the top and bottom sections, the the posts in the bottom section, then put the "lid on top". Not try to put the lid on top of the column with both ends. 

i have a problem with this design. It is far too busy. Probably should have been more zoomed in with less waterfront and stuff before the hill. Too many little trees and column elements that don't want to stay connected. No, i'm not sure if everything is in the right place.

There was one more off-brand thing. A Chinese LEGO knock-off Johnny 5 Robot (no reference to Short Circuit given) 370-piece set. The treads were annoying (and i'm sure i messed something up).

Ignore the LEGO Classic Bricks and Functions figures (got on clearance, wanted to see how they would do it). Sorry i didn't have a better picture.