Almost. I’m almost there. I’m almost done. Only 705 points to go, and then I will have hit my goal of 25,000 achievement points before March 9. Then I will be done.

This lofty goal has changed me. Much like the child who is caught smoking, and his parents subsequently make him smoke an entire carton, I think I have overdosed on Achievement points. I know they have been meaningless since the beginning, yet I felt compelled to collect them, but after whoring myself out for 24,295 points over the course of the last 25 weeks I have really come to appreciate just how little I need them.

Don’t get me wrong, I still think they are the greatest gimmick of this console generation, but I may not be going out of my way as much to get them. The string of games I’ve played has had highs and lows (some very low lows), and I’ve seen the best and the worst of what the Xbox 360 has to offer. I now know, deep in my heart, that I don’t need to get every Achievement point in every game to prove myself to anybody (after all, who really cares) In other words, this quest has changed me - however, I regret nothing.

I still have 705 points to go, and about two weeks to complete that in. I feel very confident I can do that without breaking a sweat (especially if I break down and spend the $3.99 to pick up a used copy of “Madden ‘06“).

So, I may be calling it a little early, but I feel that my first game of “Smash Bros.” will be along with the masses, and I won’t be left behind in anyone’s dust. At the same time, I still have 705 points to go, and I need to focus on completing that, if, for no other reason than to prove it to myself, and close this chapter of my gaming career. It’s almost time to move on.

I’ve pushing my way to the finish line with another one of last year’s biggest titles. “Madden ‘08” was my biggest contributor last week, affording me 885 points, with minimal playtime. It was the first time I have picked up a “Madden” game since 1994, and it somehow felt like I hadn’t missed a beat. The game didn’t really feel like it had changed too much in four console generations, and I was able to breeze through a good handful of football games as if I was still 12 years old and in my bedroom at my parent’s house.

Last night, I was left at an impasse. Should I complete the last six more difficult achievements, or move on to another title? I have yet to decide, so we will have to wait and see what this next week holds. Another shinning highlight of this past week was the XBLA release “N+.” While I may not have raked in the points on it, like so many other XBLA games, it is one of the best things that I have ever downloaded, and everyone should play it… everyone! I also cleaned up a few easier points in “The Club,” finally putting that one down until I’m completely done with this quest (so very soon).

My quest is winding down, and it makes me a little sad. I’m sad that my Xbox actually might not get played too much in the next few months, and that my quest has left me wanting more. I know, in my brain, that points really don’t mean anything, yet, much like an addict, I want more. All I can think about (aside from finally being able to play “Smash Bros.”) is that once I hit 45,955 is that 50,000 isn’t that far off.

And really, how sad is that?

Hopefully by this time next week I will be done, but if, for some reason, you just can’t possibly wait, please check out my Xbox Live profile (jaded cynic) to satiate your desires. And, for the love of God … please wish me luck.