Crash all part of the game

By Trent Kusters
VIDEO game fanatics did not let anything come between themselves and the launch of a hit new title this week – not even a close call with serious injury.
At 10pm on Monday, Berwick resident Michael Zupecki, 21, was convinced his gruelling three-year wait for the new Xbox 360 game, Halo 3, was over.
Mr Zupecki and several friends were about to drive to Westfield Fountain Gate for the midnight launch of the video game at EB Games.
But shortly after picking up a passenger at 10.10pm, Michael and his fellow gamers were involved in a serious collision with another car at the corner of Halcyon Way and Shrives Road in Narre Warren.
“I looked to my right but it was all too late,” Mr Zupecki said.
“The other car had no hope and collided with our front end at about 80kph.
“Once we had come to a stop the car filled with smoke. We got out and made sure the lady from the other car was all right.
“Then we checked our Xboxes. Luckily they were fine,” he joked, relieved that everyone had escaped injury.
While a collision may deter some from continuing their journey, Mr Zupecki chose to finish the fight.
“Soon enough I started thinking about Halo 3,” he said.
“Even if my leg was torn off, I’d be there. Halo 3 in one hand and holding my artery closed with the other,” he said.
“Us gamers, we’re a different breed.”
After a short wait at Fountain Gate, Michael and his friends finally collected their copies of Halo 3.