Achievments are one of the best moves Microsoft has ever made.

[Mendicate Bias]

Zucas said:
It's a great idea as it does extend the replay value but I do think it isn't being used to its fullest potential. Achievements are sometimes pathetic, outrageous, unrepresentative scores, etc. They give a base system for all of this with no filler on the inside haha. And the requirement for all games furthers how bad it can sometimes be.

I like the idea, but I think it needs more refinement on execution. Not necessarily MS's fault either, but it would be nice to know that there is some actual thought put into some of the achievements. So I guess more of a fault of some developers but I'm sure MS could lend a helping hand eh. We all like to extend replay value and feel accomplished, but just like any game, that accomplishment and replay value needs to actually be worthwhile.

You can say that about the game as well. Whats the ultimate goal of a game, its not unlocking the next weapon or whatnot its the experience and having fun and if getting an achievement is fun for someone then they will get as many as they can. For example the 4 player co-op vidmaster achievement for Halo 3 was some of the most fun I've had playing a videogame and that was worth 0 gamer points so I didn't even get an arbitrary number to show off.

Besides they have started tying in unlockables with achievements so you get a new avatar shirt or a new theme background so theres your incentive I guess.