I prefer the trackpoint (X220 user) since 1. The trackpad is small and 2. It's what I started off with, but at home I use a basic Microsoft 2 button optical mouse (it cost like 7USD new). I can't find it anymore (discontinued?) but I am content with it even though I do regularly play FPS games and the like. I should upgrade though, since I do like the idea of having a back button (I love the navigation keys on the Thinkpad that flank the up arrow key).
On the brightside, it's given me time to save up money for a new PC!
It'll be all the sweeter! Plus, at least for me, it'll give me time to properly finish grad school :D I remember when I first played Mass Effect and exploring the universe made me feel like a kid again, and the story and lore was amazing. Almost wish I could feel that way again with another playthrough. Particularly enjoyed the Volkov with frictionless materials, scram rail, and HE rounds-- a Widow before its time.
My favorite(s) would have to be the Griffin and Sabine trilogy by Nick Bantock. I initially read it back when I was in middle school, and it was the one set of books that my teacher wouldn't let us purchase off of her at the end of the school year. Each book is fairly short and you read it in the form of post cards and letters that you remove from envelopes, and it details the correspondance between the two persons that seemingly can't meet each other in real life (sorta like Lake House or Il Mare). I wont spoil it, but I felt the frustration and sadness in the protagonist throughout the read. Fast forward to my college years and I remembered about it and immediately purchased the set at a bookstore and reread it and even then I teared up quite a bit. Another would be Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha which I've actually begun rereading in German to practice the language. And finally my guilty pleasure was reading the Robotech series, which landed me in quite a bit of trouble during middle school since that's all I did in class.
I, unfortunately, stopped playing competitive FPS games a while ago (e.g. CS, TFC, DoD), but I still enjoy FPS games and particularly the cooperative ones (e.g. Sven Coop, Rainbow Six series, Mass Effect 3's co-op mode). I was sad when Destiny found itself to be a console only title, so when I saw the Division, I got interested in it quick. Like you said, though, hopefully they do a nice job with it.
I'm excited for Mass Effect 4 and the Division mostly. Looking forward to Mighty No. 9 as well, and I suppose Legacy of the Void!
Love Valkyria Chronicles! Good art, decent storyline, and fun mechanics. Tank controls (especially in confined areas) and some bugs (instances where a character no clips through the map) aside, I enjoyed it throughout. Had to save constantly though!
I'm in southern California for a summer stint as a visiting student, and I'd love to squeeze in a few more hikes before I head back to Texas where there aren't as many mountanous trails to tackle. Beaches and the PCH are other options too!