I can’t believe November is over halfway through as I write this. I mean I can, but I can’t. So here we are.

I am making good on my Rise of the Tomb raider progress; I’m currently at about 50% completion. Hooray for progress! I’ve been having a heck of a good time, but I must say, I’m increasingly not a fan of the in-game camera. It continues to lead in an odd fashion, and no matter how I try to adapt to it, I’ve not found a serviceable way to use it that doesn’t result in my sighing every so often.

If it’s one thing in a game that I’m not a fan of, it’s a wonky camera/control scheme. Fortunately, the control scheme is good, and it’s true that the camera isn’t always a struggle, but I often find myself mindful of it.

The other oddity I’ve noticed is when shooting with my special bows for my bow and arrow. If I go straight into the aim with my special, the reticle has a tendency to streak in an unintended direction. I have no idea why this is (as it doesn’t happen at all when using the general aim), so color me confused.

Despite these issues, I’ve still been having quite a good time with the game, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. Later this afternoon, I intend to dive back in, and if all goes well, I hope to be done with it by mid-week. Though we shall see.

I do want to wrap it up sooner than later, as I’m increasingly impatient to begin my trip through the wasteland of Fallout 4. I am more than ready to rise to the challenge. It’s been odd this past week, trying to stay away from any potential spoilers online, but I’ve been moderately successful. A few small things were “ruined” but otherwise, my knowledge of the game is delightfully slim. As much as I love reading (and writing) about games, there is something inherently wonderful going in to an experience with a fresh set of eyes to take it all in.

Beyond finishing Rise of the Tomb Raider this week, and beginning Fallout 4, I have no other gaming related goals. This feels both great and weird, as usually I try to balance several games on my plate, and this new “one at a time” approach seems to be working for me.

Through the process, though, I’ve discovered how much I’m not super fond of the Xbox One. I don’t hate it by any means, but I find its performance underwhelming. From installing games (from disc) taking up to a dozen tries (and retries), to various programs not running properly (e.g.: Netflix starting and stopping for no reason when my internet is fast and stable), I’ve been a bit disappointed with it as a console. I’m grateful to have it so I can play exclusives, I’m just often wishing its functionality was better.

I suppose the best way to put it is that I want to like it far more than I actually do. Perhaps I will come around. Or it will. Or we both will. Who knows? Technology is neat that way.

In the meantime, I have some tombs to raid. You know, in the nice way.