02-28-2013

FEBRUARY

2 8,

2013

2 | NEWS

Volume 99, issue 79 | Thursday, february 28, 2013

Aztecs compete for sustainability Companies fight DOMA campus Stephanie Saccente Senior Staff Writer

about taking part in sustainable actions. She said the Cuicacalli residents have done a good job in regards to sustainability.

San Diego State students living in residence halls are reducing their electricity and water use as part of the 2013 Campus Con- The three-month competition is servation Nationals. meant to motivate students to Since Feb. 4, students from more than 200 colleges and uni- help with resource conservation versities who live in residence halls have been participating in in residence halls and reduce the competition, created by The the amount of carbon dioxide Center for Green Schools.

The three-month competition emitted into the atmosphere. is meant to motivate students to help with resource conservation in residence halls and re- “I believe SDSU has been trying duce the amount of carbon diox- to reduce the electricity for a ide emitted into the atmosphere. while,” Kwon said. “They turn Psychology sophomore and Cui- down the lights in the hallways cacalli Suites residential adviser past 12, and as for the water, Jane Kwon said she feels strongly they only turn on the sprinklers

A pedestrian passes through SDSU residence halls. Students are competing in the 2013 Campus Conservation Nationals competition.

paige nelson , photo editor

at night so the water goes to the plants instead of evaporating during the day.”

In an SDSU NewsCenter article, SDSU Sustainability Coordinator Mariah Hudson said the CCN is a chance for SDSU to demonstrate its commitment to becoming a more sustainable campus.

Hudson said the competition is also an opportunity for students to learn how they can make positive changes that help the environment in their daily lives.

This is the third year of the CCN. During last year’s competition, more that 200,000 students reduced total of 1700 megawatthour of electricity and 1.5 million gallons of water. Collectively, participating schools saved $157,925. Kwon estimated that with nearly double the amount of schools participating in this year’s competition compared to last year, a total of $300,000 will be saved.

Tenochca Residence Hall psychology sophomore and residential adviser Sonda Yamashita said she has seen positive changes in Tenochca Hall.

“The competition is going well so far,” Yamashita said. “We’ve had residents talk to us about what they’re doing, like taking shorter showers or unplugging their chargers.”

According to the CCN website, the campaign ss meant to empower students to make strides toward resource reduction.

national

The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. More than 200 major companies intend to strike down DOMA.

Ana Ceballos Assistant News Editor

More than 200 major corporations, including Starbucks Corp., Microsoft Corp., Google Inc. and Amazon Inc. urged the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday to strike down a federal law restricting the definition of marriage.

According to Reuters, the companies want to urge the Supreme Court to squash the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Lawyers representing the companies delivered a brief on Wednesday, part of which read that DOMA “requires that employers treat one employee differently from another, when each is married, and each marriage is equally lawful.”

Lawyers representing a different group of employers, including a few

thinkstock

of the same companies, are also fighting for a similar case in California that questions a law banning gay marriage.

“No matter how welcoming the corporate culture, it cannot overcome the societal stigma institutionalized by (California’s) Proposition 8 and similar laws,” according to a brief released by the legal team representing the group, Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe, said.

The Supreme Court will argue these two cases on March 26 and 27.

Attorney Sabin Willett said companies are often forced to go against their own internal policies and local laws because “the law forces companies to discriminate” when addressing plans for health care and other benefits.

But according to Daniel Fisher of Forbes, the Supreme Court isn’t likely to establish a nationwide, constitutional right to gay marriage.

Same-sex marriage is currently banned in 41 states.

NEWS | 3

Thursday, february 28, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 79

Interstate 805 construction promises less traffic

local Jessica Marin Staff Writer

Monday marked the beginning of a long-term construction project on northbound Interstate 805 aiming to alleviate the San Diego region’s traffic. The project will add new carpool lanes on both the north and southbound lanes between state Route 52 and Mira Mesa Boulevard. The California Department of Transportation estimates the cost of the project to be $86 million.

The construction is only one part of multiple projects that will take place during the next few years on the I-805 corridor.

Phase one of the north I-805 project includes construction of direct access ramps at Carroll Canyon Road, as well as bridgewidening and modifications to existing ramps and noise barriers.

This construction is projected to be completed by Fall 2013 and will cost approximately $74.2 million.

According to the CDT fact sheet, San Diego city will be fronting $10.3 million of the cost.

Funding for all the construction comes from a combination of both federal and state programs, including the San Diego half-cent tax initiative known as TransNet. Money from TransNet specifically funds local transportation projects.

During another phase of the construction, express lanes along I-805 from south of SR-52 will be created. The 4.4-mile project will add two express lanes in each direction from SR-52 to La Jolla Village Drive.

Public Information Officer Cathryne Bruce-Johnson explained that the express lanes are used as carpool lanes, except solo drivers

! l y l a e r

don bartletti /los angeles times /mct

Hundreds of cars stuck in traffic on the north Interstate 805 during rush hour. The California Transportation System estimates the new project to be $86 million. can also purchase a FasTrak through the San Diego Association of Governments and can use the express lanes.

According to the CDT, this phase will also include a ramp on Nobel Drive, as well as a Nobel Drive Transit Station and a Park and Ride.

The organization behind the

project is called Keep San Diego Moving. According to the Keep San Diego Moving website, the average daily traffic on I-805 can range from 160,000 vehicles to 261,000 vehicles per day. SANDAG reports the daily congestion caused by all those cars can last up to four hours. By the year 2030, the average number of cars on the road

is expected to exceed 330,000 vehicles, while the congestion is estimated to last more than six hours, according to SANDAG. These projects are aimed to prevent this from happening.

International business junior Ilena Gudiño considers the I-805 project as beneficial for commuters like herself.

“I think it is needed in that section because retrofitting of San Diego’s buildings and freeways have been needed for a long time,” Gudiño said.

Construction will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. in an attempt to avoid traffic delays during the daytime.

Shootings elicit new CA bill state

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Staff Writer

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Following the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School and a recent shooting at Taft High School, Democrat Sen. Marty Block proposed legislation last Tuesday that would require all California classroom doors to be lockable from the inside.

The bill, labeled SB 316, would apply to classrooms containing five or more people and the locks must not prevent students from exiting freely. About 70 percent of California schools already have such locks, according to a press release. However, older classrooms—including dozens in San Diego County—require teachers to lock the doors from outside in the event of an emergency.

Existing law requires the installation of inside door locks in schools built after July 1, 2011. However, SB 316 would extend this by requiring the same from school modernization projects submitted after Jan. 1, 2014, as well.

“This is a very doable safety step that protects our teachers and students from campus intruders,” Block said, according to the press release.

“Teachers and other staff should not be forced to expose themselves unnecessarily to danger while trying to protect our students.”

This isn’t the first time parents, teachers or lawmakers have raised questions about the safety measures and security of schools. However,

after the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Conn.—in which 20 children and six adults were shot and killed—the issue has once again been thrust into the public eye.

California Federation of Teachers President Joshua Pechthalt supports the bill and considers it a “simple, common sense safety measure.”

Denise Perez, 42, is a mother of four and says she believes inside door locks will deter crime, but cannot magically fix the greater issues at hand that lead to school shootings in the first place, such as bullying.

“We need to be diligent as a community to protect our kids,” Perez said in an email. “Unfortunately, we need more than just doors that lock from the inside to protect them.”

She says additional security measures to consider include locking campuses during school hours— with only the front office as an entrance—and having an emergency button staff members can push in the office to warn teachers of an intruder.

Block said the cost of retrofitting classroom doors with new locks would range from $30 to $60 each and says he’s in the process of finding funding for school districts unable to pay, according to an article by 10News.

The bill should reach Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk this fall. If it passes, schools across California will have until January 2015 to install the locks.

4 | GAMING

Volume 99, issue 79 | THURSDAY, february 28, 2013

Free-to-play ‘Tera’ is just as rad courtesy of bluehole studio

Huge enemies are commonplace in “Tera.” Since going free-to-play, the action-based MMO has gained many new players looking to experience the game, but not willing to pay a subscirption fee. “Tera” isn’t the first MMO to drop its subscription-based business model and it won’t be the last.

Shane Carpenter Aztec Gaming

“Tera” is a game I have often stared at from a distance when it first came out and wondered “How fun would it be to play a game with combat entirely based on action?” I played “World of Warcraft” for so long, it was hard to imagine a game where I could actually move, attack and actively defend myself against enemy attacks in order to block, or at least mitigate, damage. A game where I could do combos with my attacks to do more

Pros

damage-though this isn’t necessarily a new feature to massively multiplayer online games; see “EverQuest II.” All of this changed last month when “Tera” went free-to-play and I was able to jump in after purchasing the game itself a few weeks before.

The difference wasn’t remarkable by any means, but I believe the transition was probably one of the smoothest in terms of the sheer quality of handling both old and new players.

New players have access to absolutely everything the game already offers, with nearly no restrictions, aside from

the small annoyance of having only two character slots. You’ll never have to buy more character slots because if you decide you don’t like a certain character class, you can easily delete it and start a new one. However the option to buy more character slots, up to eight, is available to you. Those who are founders such as myself have no limit on character slots and have a few special perks, but none that put us at a clear advantage. In the end, what you get is the same game as before, but with a few perks if you become a Founder or Elite. The cash

shop is there but it offers little aside from extremely cosmetic items and a few typical things, such as experience boosts, which are increasingly common in F2P games, as well.

Mostly, the game is worth getting into now if you wish to experience the more free-flowing type of combat that requires constant interaction and awareness of your surroundings. It is incredibly satisfying to defeat a giant monster after waging a hard-fought battle, dodging and blocking massive attacks and putting all your weight into crushing it. This type of combat

is becoming frequently used in other new MMOs being developed as well, such as “WildStar.” So, it’s a good way to preview this type of combat for minimal price. The game hasn’t been expanded much since its U.S. release last May, but the endgame is still extremely deep thanks to the political system in place for players who are interested in that type of thing (think “EVE Online”). However, you may encounter slow points thanks to a below-average questing experience.

The pros and cons of Free-to-Play

Jordan Pollock Aztec Gaming

No Need to Expand: Sure, in the freeto-play model, there’s no incentive for developers to expand the universe or add extra content because they’re not being paid for it anymore. However, in most modern F2P massively multiplayer online games, players work with a large amount of content already offered within the base game, so there’s generally no need to pine for extra content. It would be nice, but this is a free game—you can’t complain about price.

F2P on the Rise: Recently, there’s been a surge of new F2P play games on the market, giving players more games to play without ever worrying about pesky subscription fees hindering the experience because of limited money. Content in most F2P games can keep players busy for at least 20 hours compared to currentgeneration triple-A titles that only offer six hours of content for about $60.

Pay For What You Want: Most F2P games come with built-in cash shops

where players can buy anything from awesome character customization items—hair, clothes, fancy skins for characters or weapons, etc.—to a piece of armor that would otherwise take 10 hours to unlock.

There will always be that one weapon that requires gamers to spend a few strict hours grinding away in some boring old dungeon in hopes that it’d become available. When it doesn’t, well, you’d just have to start the instance again for another chance.

Game Over, Time to Move on: At the end of the game, players can choose to either make a new character or wander around the world and explore as their level-capped character. It doesn’t really matter anymore that there’s nothing new to do because that’s what happens when you reach the end of a game. If that sounds boring, maybe it’s time to move on and find another game.

The memories made while playing an F2P game are indeed something to cherish, and playing a different game in no way tarnishes those memories. Sometimes, it’s better to just let go.

Shane Carpenter Aztec Gaming

Incentive to Expand: Developers of massively multiplayer online games are typically guaranteed a certain amount of money as long as they keep players happy enough to pay for monthly subscription fees. When MMOs transition into F2P (Free To Play), however, this incentive isn’t there anymore. Content patches can take months, if not years. Expansions will similarly take a long time (if made at all). F2P games in general are less likely to progress.

Stagnation: As noted above, stagnation is a risk for F2P games and what a player buys is typically what they get, although there are some exceptions. Developers sometimes switch games to new models and then leave the game as-is until either it shuts down or its player base dwindles so low the game becomes a graveyard.

The Risk of Pay-To-Win: Most F2P games are able to escape this trap because developers understand that it would aggravate their play-

Cons

ers. However, the threat of dreaded cash shops full of armor and weapons, among other items, will make wealthy people very powerful and subvert the entire point of an MMO game’s endgame. However, much like the boogeymen hiding under the bed, this nightmare typically doesn’t come to fruition.

Keeping Old Players Happy in the New: When most games transition into F2P, it’s because their player bases reached a certain tipping point where its population is on a continuous downward slope. Servers begin closing and consolidating, and because of this veterans of the game are constantly on the move. F2P games typically suffer during transition because they don’t give older players enough incentive to stay. Transitioning is to bring in new players who wouldn’t otherwise play the game, but keeping loyal members onboard who know the ins and outs of a game helps the community as a whole. To disregard and not offer players anything in the form of reward for their loyalty is a large oversight.

“Lord of the Rings: Online” (pictured) switched from a subscription model to free-to-play.

So far, the transition has worked well for the game, though time will ultimately tell. courtesy of turbine

GAMING | 5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 79

Embarking on a new journey Games such as “League of Legends” (left), “Journey” (center) and “Xenoblade Chronicles” (right) are all examples of their particular genres. “League of Legends,” a MOBA, is currently the most popular online game, while “Journey,” an adventure game, rekindled the conversation about video games as art. “Xenoblade Chronicles,” a JRPG, is credited with breathing new life into a stagnant genre.

Genre Introductions - Get into the Game The video game world can be daunting to newcomers. With so many games, where do you even begin? Never fear, Aztec Gaming is here with our recommendations on breaking in to some of the biggest genres today.

JRPGs Kevin Smead ‘

Entertainment Editor

Japanese role-playing games have experienced a bit of a rebirth lately, and while many gamers are interested in the often-massive undertaking that is playing a JRPG, few really know where to start. “Massive undertaking” may sound like a bit of hyperbole, but in reality, it’s not. Most JRPGs clock in at around 40 or so hours of gameplay, while some can hit the 100-hour mark with no end in sight (looking your way, “Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King”). If you’re going to make that big of an investment, it’s important to know with which games to spend those precious, massive quantities of time on.

While many JRPGs have intricate, complex game systems that require players to think critically rather than focus on twitch action, the main focus of the JRPG is always on story.

In the best JRPGs, strong gameplay elements accentuate compelling narratives. Many boast strategic turnbased battle systems, which have admittedly sort of become archaic, while keeping things varied with in-depth character customization and crafting. Some perfect examples of this may go back a bit, but with emulators and numerous rereleases, there’s plenty of ways to play these classic games.

For those new to the genre, it’s best to start with the classics. Check out “Chrono Trigger,” “Final Fantasy VI” and “Secret of Mana,” all JRPGs staples from the Super Nintendo era. In fact, many consider “Final Fantasy VI” one of the finest games ever made on any platform, ever. I’d have to agree.

Next, I’d recommend sinking your teeth into “Final Fantasy VII,” because it’s easily accessible and perhaps the most recognized and popular game in the genre. “Final Fantasy” isn’t the only JRPG series that exemplifies the genre, though.

An equally long-running and respected series is “Dragon Quest” (also known as “Dragon Warrior” in Japan).

For a more tactical approach to the genre, check out any of the “Fire Emblem” games or “Final Fantasy Tactics.” If you can get the PlayStation Portable or iPhone OS version of

“Tactics,” do so. That one, I would argue, is the definitive version of the game. With better edited dialogue, updated animations and some character class tweaks, the game is better than ever.

So far, the games I’ve mentioned are at least a decade old. The more modern JRPGs have changed quite a bit, as the genre suffered a bit of a quality drop in the mid-2000s up to recent years. As I said before, though, we’re in a bit of a renaissance for the genre. The latest “Tales” games are phenomenal and “Xenoblade Chronicles” is one of the best titles released in any genre in recent memory.

For a different, modern take on the genre, check out the “Souls” series, be it “Demon’s Souls” or “Dark Souls.” These gnarly, brutal action JRPGs will test your patience and reward you beyond your wildest dreams with a huge sense of accomplishment.

While the genre does require a large commitment, the genre of the Japanese role-playing games are near and dear to my pixelated heart and will hopefully become part of your gaming rotation, too.

Adventure Games Jordan Pollock Aztec Gaming

Adventure Games are one of the oldest genres in gaming. Be it a text adventure, point-and-click adventure or what have you, adventure games have always managed to catch gamers’ imaginations. Rather than focusing solely on action sequences as a beefy Space Marine, adventure games put players in the shoes of a normal guy or girl, tasked with a quest that can only be surmounted with a combination of agility and intelligence rather than brute strength.

Throughout time, adventure games evolved to contain more action sequences in order to make them more accessible to players who generally prefer to just punch things in the face, but this doesn’t detract from the experience in most cases. The combination of action and adventure genres has produced games appealing to a much wider audience.

Series such as “Uncharted,” “Tomb Raider” or the much beloved “Monkey Island” games are some of the most influential adventure games

that even non-gamers have heard about. But there are many more games out there that would-be adventure gamers should check out. In most recent times, Telltale Games’ “The Walking Dead” received critical acclaim for its focus on story rather than gameplay, while keeping players enthralled with the world and characters that populated it. Of course, for those fearless few, “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” is a game that will probably haunt your nightmares for the months leading up to its sequel, “Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs.” But hey, adventure is adventure.

The games in this genre always leave a lasting effect on you, even months down the road. They are designed to immerse players in worlds that are enthralling, thrilling, fantastic, aweinspiring, funny, genuine and even sometimes scary. In the end, that’s what makes them amazing.

Indie Sergio Lopez Aztec Gaming

During the last several years, there has been a surge in indie games unlike anything the game industry has ever seen. Games with such creativity have erupted and maintained power that only a big-budget tripleA game such as “Call of Duty” could manage. Although there are many benefits to a larger budget and a bigger team, the intimacy and soul put into independent games shine bright within every line of code.

While many games are memorable for their puzzles or action, indie games become more personal, allowing players to develop a deep, emotional connection. One such game that gained praise for this is Thatgamecompany’s “Journey.”

While it does have puzzles to solve and enemies to evade, this game is special because of the way it allows players to connect to others. Thatgamecompany created a game that is not just about its puzzles or set pieces, but one that emphasizes human connections and what it means to be alone. By meeting mysterious players with no way to communicate to them, a strange bond forms between the players that has yet to be matched on any triple-A title. That, along with an amazing musical score and incredible backdrops, shoots

“Journey” beyond just being a twohour game to become an experience that remains well after its emotional conclusion.

As independent games continue to thrive, the creativity of these games grows. Alexander Bruce’s “Antichamber” is a mind-bending game that tests what players refer to as puzzles throughout games. Much like a painting by M. C. Escher, “Antichamber” twists and bends minds unlike any other game.

Tomorrow Corporation’s “Little Inferno” starts off as if you were just ripped off by buying a burning simulator game, but those who continue playing realize this little game is much more than it initially shows.

“Little Inferno” becomes a dark, creepy tale of consumerism that twists and turns. Players can’t help but fall further down the rabbit hole with the game’s main characters.

These are only a few of the many compelling indie games released within the last few years. “Thomas Was Alone,” “To the Moon,” “Hotline Miami,” “Amnesia: The Dark Descent” and “Braid” add to the growing list of outstanding indie games. With the arrival of the Ouya and Playstation 4, it will only become easier for independent developers to create unique experiences that are often overlooked and share them with the world. Get ready, because indie games are just getting started.

Real-Time Strategy Cody Franklin Head of Aztec Gaming

Real-time strategy games are some of the oldest games around. The allure of controlling grand armies as they clash against anything from aliens to Atlanteans has long attracted gamers.

You can’t mention RTS games without someone bringing up classics such as “Command and Conquer,” “Warcraft” and “StarCraft.” History fans can’t forget gems such as “Rise of Nations” and “Age of Empires.” When it comes to colossal scale, nothing matches “Total Annihilation” and “Supreme Commander.”

Today’s world is almost entirely dominated by Blizzard Entertainment’s “StarCraft 2.” In the first of three parts, “Wings of Liberty,” the Terran Republic shined, but the Zerg are returning with a vengeance in the next portion, “Heart of the Swarm,” coming out in March.

If you want to delve into the RTS world, “StarCraft 2” is the go-to game. If you’re feeling a bit more tactical, try out one of the games from

photo credit riot games , thatgamecompany and monolith soft

the “Dawn of War II” series and shoot some Space Marines. If World War II is your thing, you can’t lose picking up “Company of Heroes.”

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Myhkail Mendoza Aztec Gaming

Multiplayer online battle arena is a genre that recently exploded in popularity in the PC gaming world.

Its roots trace back to a custom map during the early release of the tripleA RTS hit “StarCraft.” A few of the major MOBA games played today are “League of Legends,” “Defense of the Ancients,” “Heroes of Newerth” and “Smite.” Currently, “League of Legends” has taken the award for the most played game around the world. “League of Legends” creator Riot Games reported 32 million active players around the globe logging in a total of 1 billion hours of play time each month. The popularity of MOBA games contributed to the eSports associations and governing bodies and continues to increase the popularity and viewership of competitive gaming tournaments.

In MOBA games, there are two opposing teams with a minimum of three players to a team (player number is usually determined by the size of the map). Players choose a hero or champion-type character that level up by killing AI-controlled minions or enemy players. Players also earn gold to buy items by killing minions, players, and buildings. Each character has a specialized set of skills, for a specific role such as a melee fighter, support character, long-range damage dealer or tank. The goal of the game is to breach the enemy team’s base and destroy its main building to claim victory. This requires players to coordinate their actions in order to outplay their opponents. Before reaching that main base, a number of guard towers with the capability of dealing damage need to be taken down. Due to the competitive nature of MOBAs, new players will experience “toxic behavior” from experienced players (whether they are skilled at the game or not). If you decide to try out a MOBA game, be strong like the champions, have nerves of steel, practice the basics of the game and eventually, you will be looked upon as a valuable teammate and honorable opponent.

6 | GAMING

Volume 99, issue 79 | THURsDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

eSports brings together gamers of all levels

Leonardo Castaneda Opinon Editor

When I was a kid, my Super Nintendo Entertainment System and I were inseparable. I’d spend hours in front of the TV throwing barrels with Donkey Kong and flying through space with Fox McCloud. Eventually, Nintendo 64 and “GoldenEye 007” replaced them and changed what I thought video games could be. But as I got older and moved away, my new friends didn’t care for video games.

Even my shiny new PlayStation 2 began gathering dust.

For years I moved away from gaming, yet I always wished for a friend who shared my love of those games and could have shared those experiences and adventures with me. Today, there are organizations for individuals to share experiences and interests, providing a space where they can grow as gamers and as part of a community.

One such organization is SDSU eSports, a club at San Diego State where student gamers of all levels can come together and play.

“As a club, we’re here to network and get gamers together so we can have fun playing the games,” SDSU eSports vice-president and interim president Garrett Smith said. “On top of that, (gamers) get practice partners to play competitively.”

Although some members just play casually, the club also fields several competitive teams, including two for “League of Legends” teams and one for “Defense of the Ancients.” The teams compete in collegiate leagues, which have a regular season running parallel to the semester. During the

season, teams play weekly to biweekly, with matches ranging from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the game.

Aside from the the weekly meetings, SDSU eSports and San Diego-based gaming community LanDiego.com recently hosted a large-scale lan party on campus called LanDiego State. Smith plans to have another similar event in April.

As one of eSports official sponsors, LanDiego also provides the teams with two TVs to use during meetings, which members use to play anything from fighting games such as “Tekken Tag Tournament” to “NFL Blitz: Pro.” LanDiego embodies many of the ideals behind several gaming communities.

“We want to share the experience with other people, whether they may

share the same passion for gaming or new to the scene,” LanDiego co-founder Sean Peralta said. “It is fun to gather people of like minds to compete and have fun with eSports.”

The spirit of their mission statement, which reads in part, “We will unite our community of gamers to share our love of the game, exposing gamers to the classics, current and next generations of gaming,” Smith encouraged anyone interested in either casual or competitive gaming to attend weekly meetings “Just come in, talk to us, bring your game and start playing,” Smith said. all photos by ana ceballos , assistant news editor

Business administration sophomore Kevin Serran (left) and electrical engineering sophomore Albert Guico (right) are seen here playing with fightsticks. The club is working on getting a second Xbox and additional fightsticks.

Computer engineering sophomore Kirk Saechao, seen here playing “League of Legends,” is one of the leaders of the competitive LoL teams. “What keeps me coming back is that the competitive team does practice a lot together,” Saechao said. “Something that we’re trying to incorporate more is involving ... people that are more casual.”

Applied mathematics graduate student Jouie Ames is seen here playing “Tekken.” Despite having a lot of academic responsabilities, he likes to come to eSports meetings to rest and meet other players. “It’s just an opportunity to have a break time and just relax and play games,” Ames said.

New ‘Metal Gear’ is ridiculous and awesome Jordan Pollock Aztec Gaming

It’s finally here: The long-awaited next chapter in the “Metal Gear” series has reached shelves with unanimous praise.

“Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance” may have a ridiculous subtitle, but it pretty much sets up the game. The player takes control of Raiden, the protagonist of “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty,” though this time around he is a cyborg ninja. Armed with the mighty high-frequency blade, Raiden is on a quest to stop the Private Military Company Desperado Enforcement LLC and reveal the identity of its mysterious financial backer.

Fans of the series should be fully aware by now this is not the average “Metal Gear” game, as evidenced by the fact that it’s called “Metal Gear Rising” and not “Metal Gear Solid.”

“Rising” isn’t about stealth combat and sneaking around to avoid confrontation. No, “Rising” is about charging into battle headfirst and taking out anyone and anything that stands in the way.

But this isn’t to say there’s absolutely no sneaking around involved.

Players can easily watch guards patrol routes and surreptitiously take them out one by one. However, the

game focuses more on running in and cutting everything to ribbons.

Speaking of which, “Rising” introduces “blade mode” where players can take control of Raiden’s blade to slice and dice enemies and random items alike. The “blade mode” mechanic is built around Raiden’s ability to essentially harvest semi-electronic organs (fuel cells) of enemies to replenish his life and energy. After substantially weakening an enemy, players are given a visual queue to turn blade mode on. This slows time and displays a large pulsating red icon indicating the location of the enemy fuel cells. Once the correct area is struck, a button prompt appears on the screen indicating how to execute Raiden’s “Zan-datsu” ability, which is the aforementioned organ-harvesting ability except more stylish.

Cut scenes are very minimal compared to previous entries in the “Metal Gear” series, but for lore junkies (such as myself), codec conversations are full of character development tidbits and additional information about the world. Because of this, gamers who haven’t played previous “Metal Gear” games can listen to the conversations for a brief history, with absolutely no spoilers, which is a neat touch.

The bottom-line is this: “Metal Gear

Rising: Revengeance” is a ridiculously fun game. It makes up for ousting the methodical pacing of previous “Metal Gear” titles with extremely engaging gameplay. The soundtrack will keep gamers’ pulse pounding as they strike

down enemies like a bolt of lightning.

The over-the-top ridiculousness of the game fits the “Metal Gear” world perfectly. Why are Gekkos and Metal Gear RAYs running around?

Who cares? You’re a cyborg ninja

who can cut them all into tiny pieces.

Once again, PlatinumGames has created a spectacle fighter that is a cut above the competition.

Rating: 4/5

This latest entry in the ‘Metal Gear’ series does not spotlight stealth mechanics, but rather a mega-gnarly “blade mode,” in which players slice and dice their way through hordes of bionic enemics.

photo coutesy konami

GAMING | 7

THURsDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 79

Spring holds a bounty of antici- Though nothing to cry over, pated games ‘Crysis 3’ comes up short Cody Franklin Head of Aztec Gaming

“BioShock: Infinite” takes place on the flying city of Columbia. Ken Levine, the creative lead working on the game, is known for his compelling, philosophical storytelling.

While the big launches of fall may be behind us, that doesn’t mean the next few months will be deadweight for gaming releases. Here are the three games you should keep an eye on in the coming month.

“BioShock Infinite” Sergio Lopez Aztec Gaming

Releasing March 26 When the original “Bioshock” was released, its atmosphere and unique setting left an impression on gamers. Now, needless to say, Irrational Games definitely has its work cut out for it. With “BioShock Infinite,” Irrational Games hopes to outdo itself by making another imaginative setting in a world hell-bent on destroying itself.

The game takes place on a floating city called Columbia, a unique setting to say the least. With rails connecting buildings, players are given a sandbox approach to deal with each new encounter. The game introduces vigors, which will replace plasmids and will allow access to a multitude of powers, including the ability to shoot fire from the characters’ arms summon a deadly flock of crows to attack enemies.

Although much of the game focuses on fighting through an ongoing civil war, facing off against monstrous enemies, such as the enormous songbird, and dealing with religious zealots that view George Washington as a god, the core of the game centers around the relationship of Booker and the divine Elizabeth. Irrational Games hopes to provide an emotional experience and deep story that will hopefully set it apart from the many first-person shooters flooding the market. Hopefully “BioShock Infinite” will be as awesome as it sounds and, for me, March 26 can’t come soon enough.

“Tomb Raider” Jordan Pollock Aztec Gaming

Releasing March 5 When it comes to adventure games, “Tomb Raider” is one of the better-known series out there. Gamers and non-gamers alike know or have heard the name “Lara Croft.” However, Lara has appeared in a number

courtesy of irrational games

of mediums throughout the years, and not all may be aware of her video game roots.

In any case, “Tomb Raider” is getting a reboot and much like the mechanics and genre of the game, Lara has a whole new design. This game takes place before Lara becomes a world famous adventurer. In fact, this game chronicles her first adventure and portrays Lara as a vulnerable protagonist who has not yet become the seasoned explorer we all know.

This time around, instead of just being an adventure and puzzler with an emphasis on platforming, players will have to learn how to survive in the jungle island Lara has been stranded on.

The radical change in style is meant to breathe new life into the franchise and, hopefully, Crystal Dynamics can pull it off.

“Defiance” Cody Franklin Head of Aztec Gaming

Releasing April 2 In the massively multiplayer online world, the next big release will be “Defiance.” Trion Worlds’ latest game takes place in a postapocalyptic world where a confrontation with aliens has left current society ruined, forcing survivors of all species to band together to hold onto what little civilization remains.

It’s nice to see a new science fiction MMO attempting to break up the monotony of the seemingly endless stream of fantasy games, but can “Defiance” succeed where many others have failed?

One trick Trion Worlds hopes will help is the fact “Defiance” is both a TV show and video game. While the battle rages on, Syfy’s “Defiance” series, players will also be fighting back in the video game adaptation. Events in the video game are said to impact the show, and vice versa.

This combination could be what is needed to succeed in the fantasy game genre. However, it could also be a big weakness: What happens to the game if the show flops, and will Syfy want to continue the series if gamers end up hating the video game?

Tune in this April to find out just how strong Trion Worlds is in its “Defiance” against the norm.

One mode missing from the nanosuits in “Crysis 3” is “Maximum Disappointment.” Nonetheless, the game itself provides that feature for you. With the release of the third game in Crytek’s “Crysis” series just a few days ago, all I’ve been able to feel for the game is disappointment. Disappointment in the story. Disappointment in how it differs extremely from the first game.

Disappointment in myself for picking up what I knew would be sadness in digital form.

But hey, I’m not trying to be Debbie Downer, so let’s start with what the game does manage to do well.

Graphically, the game is absolutely stunning. However, that is to be expected from the “Crysis” series, which has always brought computers to their little robotic knees. I’m continuously amazed with how life-like faces are becoming in video games, and Crytek sets the new bar for facial realism with every release. “Crysis 3” is no exception.

Likewise, the soundtrack was absolutely phenomenal. On more than one occasion, I found myself lingering in an area long after I had cleared it of hostiles simply so I could enjoy the zone’s music.

I was happy to see Crytek hadn’t dropped the ball on music, when they had dropped it in almost every other sense.

Gameplay wise, “Crysis 3” is as solid as ever. The hallmarkfantastic feel of each weapon was apparent, both with the new ad-

ditions and the old friends of the arsenal. Adding the combat bow changed things nicely, especially when combined with the still-impressive stealth mode; sneaking through the city ruins and dispatching foes by bow brought the “Predator” feel to new heights.

The nanosuit upgrade system from the previous game is back, but with a new twist. Rather than all upgrades applying at all times, you must select four active upgrades. However, the fantastic upgrade user interface allows you to set saved groups that, with just three keyboard clicks, allow you to almost-instantly swap from stealth-enhancing perks to a set of super-strength powers not unlike the Hulk.

If you’re looking for nothing more than to run around killing things aimlessly, or stealth about without much thought the gameplay in, “Crysis 3” will serve you better than nearly any other shooter today. However, the great gameplay is hindered time and time again by other aspects falling far too short.

The artificial intelligence in the game is absolutely laughable.

Watching a C.E.L.L. trooper continue to use the computer I just blew up in his face made me die a little inside. On another occasion, troopers continued to take cover behind a rock, nonchalantly standing atop the bodies of the many C.E.L.L. troopers before them that took cover, and died, behind that very same rock.

Level design, though more open than most shooters these days, is a far cry from the original “Crysis.” The player is repeatedly

forced into areas that are just exposed enough to give the illusion of player choice in exploration.

On the rare occasion when a truly open area appears, I couldn’t help but be reminded these rarities were once commonplace in earlier “Crysis” games.

The story has suffered just as seroiusly. Cliché after cliché presented themselves as I stumbled through the story, with sizable plot holes threatening to devour me. Crytek offers little explanation for how C.E.L.L., an organization that was so evil and power hungry, the Marines were forced to start arresting them in “Crysis 2” managed to take almost complete control of the planet after being given full control of all alien technology by the government. The Ceph, once enigmatic and terrifying, are transformed into little more than oversized insects with fancy weapons. And, please, never remind me of the clumsy romance between Psycho and Claire that was ham-fistedly forced into the script.

“Crysis 3” is a decent game that cries out to be more than it is allowed to be. The entire experience painfully reminds the player of what “Crysis” once was and what it should be today. Fighting with the futuristic weaponry and sneaking about with the stealthy suit is enjoyable, yet both are held back by far-too reserved level design, awful AI and a lackluster, cliché story. A series that began with so much promise should end with a bang, not a whimper.

“Crysis 3” is a whisper of better times past.

3/5

In “Crysis 3,” New York has fallen and is overtaken by a lush jungle. However, as Prophet, you are not alone, as players must face off against C.E.L.L troopers and the alien Ceph. Luckily, Prophet is equipped with a bow that makes short work of those who stand in his way.

courtesy of crytek

SPORTS | 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 79

SDSU vs. Seton Hall SDSU makes splash at UCI Invite

baseball Ryan Posner Contributor

Pitching Aztecs: The San Diego State Aztecs are led by starters junior Philip Walby, sophomore Michael Cederoth and senior Ryan Doran. All three pitched in the sweep of No. 12 University of San Diego and have a combined earned run average of 2.96 through the first eight games of the season. Freshman closer Bubba Derby picked up two saves during the USD series and has struck out eight in four innings. It’s safe to say that pitching has been the key to this team even though it was roughed up by No. 6 Oregon State University.

Pirates: The Seton Hall pitching staff lives and dies on the arm of senior ace Jon Prosinski. Even though the team is 0-5, Prosinski was able to go seven innings, only letting up one earned run against No. 1 University of North Carolina. Other than him, it has been a staff by committee for the Pirates with three other pitchers other than Prosinski all receiving starts. The staff has proved to be weak to start the season with a team ERA of 7.02.

Batting Aztecs: Junior second baseman Tim Zier managed to drive in seven runs through the first eight games and is batting .273 on the season. Other top performers include redshirt sophomore designated hitter Brad Haynal who is batting .344 and sophomore outfielder Greg Allen, who is batting .273 and has two stolen bases.

Pirates: Seton Hall brings a little more power to the table on the offensive side

of the ball. The team has three home runs through the first five games, including one from senior outfielder Scott Kalamar, who is batting .333 on the season. While the Pirates are batting only .210 as a team, they will need to rely heavily on their offense to make up for their mediocre pitching staff.

Defense Aztecs: The defense is anchored by senior catcher Jake Romanski, who has yet to commit an error this year and has thrown out 43 percent of would be base stealers, an impressive mark.

The team is sporting a .973 fielding percentage.

Pirates: Defense has also been a strong spot for the Pirates through their first five games. Overall, the team’s fielding percentage sits at .974, almost the same percentage as the Aztecs.

Intangibles Aztecs: After starting the season off strong with a sweep of crosstown rival USD, SDSU came up flat against Oregon State and its record now sits at 3-5. However, the Aztecs have gained a lot of valuable experience by playing two ranked teams to begin their season, which should help them prepare for Seton Hall.

Pirates: Don’t let the Pirates 0-5 record fool you. Their first two games were against the No. 1 team in the country and one of those games ended with a 1-0 score. However, they will be traveling from New Jersey for this series and without a home game yet this season, they must be tired of playing on the road.

water polo Courtney Muller Staff Writer

The No. 7 San Diego State water polo team made an impressive showing at the prestigious University of California, Irvine Invitational last weekend. The Aztecs came out of the invitational with a 2-2 record.

The Aztecs opened up the weekend downing Big West Conference opponent, University of California, Santa Barbara, with a score of 116. Senior captain Amber Pezzolla shined against the Gauchos leading the squad with a team-high four goals.

Moving to the top tier of the

tournament, the Aztecs were outmatched against the No. 2 University of Southern California in the quarterfinals, dropping the game with the score 17-5.

USC went on to win the tournament title, defeating No. 1 Stanford University.

The second day of play was full of familiar opponents for the Aztecs, as they met up with a current conference foe and a former Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opponent.

The Aztecs looked to avenge their loss from the University of California, San Diego tournament when they crossed paths with host UCI. Hungry for revenge, SDSU upset the

No. 6 Anteaters with a close score of 6-5. Co-captains Pezzolla and sophomore driver Anique Hermann led the Aztecs by combining for five of the six goals scored in the win. In the final game of the tournament, SDSU dropped a hard-fought game to No. 4 University of California, Berkeley 8-6.

Pezzolla finished the weekend with a total of nine goals, bringing her season total to a jaw-dropping 38.

The Aztecs open up Big West Conference play this weekend against UCI at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Aztec Aquaplex. Admission is free.

Aztecs face challenges in Classic

softball Logan Burns Staff Writer

The Daily Aztec breaks down the four opponents the San Diego State softball team will face in the San Diego Classic I beginning Thursday.

Brigham Young University The BYU Cougars are 5-10 this season and on a two-game losing streak, which boasts well for the Aztecs. The Cougars’ leading hitter, Marissa Bravo, has been on a tear this season so far, posting a .476 batting average, a .571 slugging average and nine RBIs. The Cougars have had a fairly easy schedule this season, playing two games against top 20 teams.

Long Beach State The Long Beach State’s softball team has also experienced an average season so far. The 49ers performed well in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, going 3-2 with wins against Oklahoma State, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Syracuse. Junior utility Hannah De Gaetano has strung together a .356 batting average with 11 RBIs this season to lead the 49er offense. For her efforts, De Gaetano was Big West Player of the Week last week.

Utah State The Aggies have experienced some struggle this season. Utah State is 0-15 this season and looking to get in the win column at the San Diego Classic I. Junior infielder

Kassandra Uchida has posted the best batting average for the Aggies with .316. The Aggies have experienced a good amount of trouble offensively this season, but have had even more trouble defensively, having given up more than 10 runs twice and nine runs once.

University of California, Los Angeles The No. 10 Bruins are by far the best team the Aztecs will have to play in the upcoming week. The Bruins are led by a plethora of offensive superstars headlined by sophomore infielder Stephany LaRosa, who has put up a .419 batting average this season so far.

10 | opinion

Volume 99, issue 79 | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Navy not guilty for bin Laden shooter’s civilian woes

veterans

I

t’s been almost two years since President Barack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden. The mission to eliminate the al-Qaida leader has been the subject of highly romanticized speculation, and members of the CIA and Navy SEAL Team 6 have been portrayed in the Academy Award-winning movie “Zero Dark Thirty.”

Cut to this month, when Esquire magazine published a 15,000-word article by Phil Bronstein titled “The Shooter” alleging the SEAL who killed bin Laden, left the Navy and was essentially abandoned by the Department of Defense after 16 years of faithful and heroic service.

The piece makes several claims about the life of the alleged shooter, who remains unidentified in the story, claiming he is “screwed” and that the Navy is providing the shooter with “Nothing. No pension, no health care for his wife and kids, and no protection for himself or his family.”

Taken at face value, it would appear the Navy has used up the shooter and discarded him, with the DOD offering nothing to him in exchange for his service. This is

what the Esquire article wants you to believe, but it’s simply not true.

First and foremost, a career in any branch of the military is a job. It’s a tough job, but a job with numerous benefits, both during and after one’s time in the service. Bronstein isn’t concerned with the benefits available during one’s time in the military as much as he is critical of how veterans are treated after they get out. Notice that I said “get out” and not “retire.”

If someone retires from the Navy, they’re entitled to lifelong benefits, including a pension and health care.

Some may wonder what the difference is between retiring and simply getting out. It all comes down to how much time is spent in the service. To reach retirement, sailors, such as the alleged bin Laden shooter, are required to stay in the Navy for 20 years. In the Navy, this is common knowledge. The subject of Bronstein’s story knew he wouldn’t be entitled to a full benefits package if he got out before hitting the 20year mark, but he got out anyway, and now he is whining about it on a national stage.

Since Bronstein’s article was published, numerous sources

have emerged to critique the misinformation it contains.

Specifically, many people have pointed out Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are entitled to five years of post-separation health care, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Even high-ranking Navy officials have commented on the shooter’s situation.

“Concerning recent writing and reporting on ‘The Shooter’ and his alleged situation, this former SEAL made a deliberate and informed decision to leave the Navy several years short of retirement status,” commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command Rear Adm. Sean Pybus said in a statement leaked to CNN. “Months ahead of his separation, he was counseled on status and benefits and provided with options to continue his career until retirement eligible. Claims to the contrary in these matters are false. That said, Naval Special Warfare and the Navy are prepared to help this former service member address health or transition issues, as we would with other former members,” Pybus said.

The Esquire article fails to mention

the extensive mandatory counseling process service members go through during their separation from the military. Before veterans venture into civilian territory, they are made aware of the benefits available to them, including various insurance programs, job placement services, education benefits and much more.

Countless government and civilian programs, both nationally and locally based, exist to assist veterans as they transition into civilian life.

Yet here is the alleged shooter complaining about his lack of a pension. Bronstein has gone on PBS and said the shooter is forced to live like a “mafia snitch” after getting out of the Navy. It seems as though Bronstein and the shooter— not to mention the multitudes of good-intentioned but ignorant sympathizers—have forgotten that the Navy is an organization comprised entirely of volunteers. Also, the SEALs are a notoriously difficult group to get into and everyone knows their jobs are dangerous and often thankless. For a long time, SEAL Team 6 has been a group of self-described “quiet professionals” who do a tough job knowing they

won’t become wealthy or famous as a result of the things they do. Well, most members of SEAL Team 6, apparently.

Bronstein’s article makes serious implications about how the U.S. treats its veterans and, thankfully, his assertions simply aren’t grounded in reality. The truth is, there are programs available to help outgoing veterans. There are options for people transitioning from life in the military to life as a civilian.

I hope the alleged shooter isn’t really the guy who took out bin Laden. I hope the real shooter is a guy who takes responsibility for his choice to get out of the Navy before meeting the requirements that would entitle him to full benefits.

Frankly, the shooter is responsible for his own well-being. The selfpitying tone of the Esquire story is an embarrassment to sailor, soldiers, Marines and airmen everywhere.

Fortunately, the alleged shooter’s attitude is far from indicative of the spirit of most veterans.

—Senior staff columnist Kenneth Leonard is an English senior

opinion | 11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | Volume 99, issue 79

Macklemore is a thrifty seller with NBA ‘Wings’ promo

music

M

acklemore knows a bargain when he sees one.

The star, alongside producer Ryan Lewis, of the hit song “Thrift Shop” recently landed a huge gig on the NBA All-Star Game intro. All he had to do was change the lyrics of the song “Wings” from his album “The Heist.”

As soon as the music video for “Wings” hit the Inter-

courtesy of macklemore

net, a Slate.com article pointed out the inconsistencies between the two versions of the song. The original narrates Macklemore’s disillusionment as a kid when he realized the “basketball shoes” craze was little more than a consumerist scam.

Among the lyrics that didn’t make the cut for the promo were, “Consumption is in the veins/ And now I see it’s just another

pair of shoes,” as well as a whole verse about consumerism and a reference to a boy who was murdered for his Air Jordans.

Without going so far as to call him a sellout, the article calls into question Macklemore’s authenticity when it comes to the socially conscious lyrics that attracted his fan base. It’s not fair to judge the rapper based on one altered song. Still, the incident raises the question of whether a musician can actually sell out, or if that’s a spiteful label unjustifiably tossed around by angry ex-fans.

When I sit down to write a column, I usually have a clear idea of where I stand on an issue, but this time, I was torn. On one hand, Macklemore—and the countless other so-called “sellouts” before him—created their music and can do with it as they please. Fans don’t own him or his music. Those who buy a CD or go to a concert are purchasing a copy of those songs or the live experience, not the creative rights to the music itself. If Macklemore sees a chance to share his music with millions of people who may not have otherwise heard it, why wouldn’t he?

“We converted strangers that didn’t know who we were into fans,” Macklemore wrote in a recent blog post. “If that’s selling out to you, word.”

Reading his blog post defending his choice, it’s clear Mackl-

emore was well aware of the possible implications and decided the parts TNT wanted to keep for the promo, mainly those about his love of basketball, were still valid.

He acknowledges the NBA has ties to the consumer culture he criticizes in the song, but so does everything else, from the clothes we wear to the phones in our pockets. It’s virtually impossible to do or buy anything without interacting with consumerism, and it’d be unreasonable to expect Macklemore to promote himself without interacting with that culture.

Still, the idealist in me can’t ignore the fact that this song meant something more than just a kid’s love of the NBA. The commercial might attract new fans, but then they’d like the song for the wrong reasons. New fans like the song because it’s catchy, not because its message resonates with them.

If this isn’t selling out, then what is? And where do we draw the line?

I’m not a musician, so I can’t understand the balancing act between sticking to your beliefs and exposing people to your music.

After all, there’s no point in producing an idealistically pure song no one will ever hear. For more perspective, I went to Richard Cavin, drummer of local deathrock band They Feed at Night, and asked him how he would act

given the choice to be in a promotion a lot of people would see in exchange for changing his lyrics or image.

“If on the promotion the lyrics had to be omitted, but not on the record, possibly,” he said. “But image-wise, no.”

I asked where he would draw the line and what he thinks would constitute selling out. “It’s all about motives,” Cavin said. “and it’s very hard to say what a musician’s motives are.”

If we’re judging based on motives, I don’t think Macklemore sold out, if for no other reason than the fact he took the time to explain his decision to participate in the NBA promo. And there’s something to be said for being an artist so well respected for the social consciousness of his lyrics that people are afraid he’ll sell out. After all, no one every worries about finding out Ke$ha is really just in it for the money.

Watching a respected musician sell out can be a wretched experience for a fan. But as fans we owe them the benefit of the doubt.

And if one day they do sell out, we should remember that even if an artist changes, the ideals that made those songs great in the first place don’t.

—Opinion Editor Leonardo Castaneda is a journalism and economics junior

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12 | BACKPAGE

Volume 99, issue 79 | THURSday, february 28, 2013

Missing the glory days of gaming

nonfiction

Ethan Bailey Assistant Features Editor

Do you remember your first video game console? I do. It was a Super Nintendo I received for Christmas when I was 5 years old. Tearing through the brightly colored wrapping paper to see those bold, red letters against a black background that read “Super Nintendo Entertainment System” was a high point in my young life. The opportunity to throw banana peels at enemy racers in “Super Mario Kart” and play the epic story of Luke Skywalker in “Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” filled me with excitement.

Back in those days, video games were a much tamer beast than they are now. Developers worked with the limited technology they could access, with no choice, but to focus on key aspects of video games: the gameplay, characters and story. Those games weren’t great because of their graphics—16-bit, baby—but because they were so much fun to play. They were simple to handle, yet their content was dynamic enough to keep players entertained for hours on end. Timing was literally everything with those games. I remember plenty of occasions being truly pissed after getting killed by a mushroom-shaped Goomba in “Super Mario Bros.” as a result of a poorly timed jump.

Today, the video game is unchained. Games bring dizzying shows of lights, colors and images flying around our 40-inch high-definition plasma TVs at a smooth 60 frames per second. Nearly every one of them features 3-D graphics and relies almost exclusively on these high-caliber visuals to sell—and that’s where the problem lies. Game developers and publishers are spoiled with the ability to create stunning virtual worlds and

battlefields to the point where many studios disregard the need for outstanding plot, gameplay, characters and story development.

Allow me to slightly digress. I enjoy current generation games as much or more than the next guy. Slaying red and blue Spartans in “Halo 4” is something I enjoy probably way too much. But where else can I fry people with plasma weapons and conquer alien hordes?

Getting back to my point, the “Mass Effect” series is a great example of a studio going off the visual deep end.

If you haven’t played the “Mass Effect” series—go home, you’re drunk.

The first game in the trilogy was good overall. There wasn’t anything spectacular about the way “Mass Effect” looked or handled, but its functionality turned critics’ heads through superb interactive storytelling. In the second game, a balance was reached: Improved combat and graphics melded seamlessly with the same great storytelling from its predecessor. Then the third game dropped. Publisher Electronic Arts was consumed by the media-hype monster and shifted most of its focus to the aesthetic aspect of its newest creation. As expected, the game looked and handled beautifully. Combat and interacting with the player’s world was more refined and seamless than ever. But what the game obviously lacked was the very thing that brought the franchise to stardom: a deep, multilayered story.

The gaming community lashed back at EA for ending the game so ambiguously and randomly that it would leave even the creators of “The Walking Dead” on a cliff-hanger note.

But again, I digress. I’m not here to bash EA or any other studio that devotes the massive amount of time and resources required to produce a video game.

Instead, I hope with this upcoming advancement in console and game technology, some of the focus returns to how games actually play and unfold rather than just how they look. On Feb. 20, Sony officially announced the PlayStation 4 and along with it, released a few minutes of footage from its new games. Among these games is one called “Watch Dogs.”

Rather than having a mission or objective to accomplish, players simply interact with the city of Chicago. For example, the demo shows the player stopping a crime from being committed against an innocent woman. The point is, a game with this type of interactivity attempts to break the mold of linear “run and gun” gameplay, which is admirable.

But in the end, video games are a visual medium above all else. The next generation of games will undoubtedly amaze us with incredible graphics and action scenes, which I’m truly excited for. Better graphics are a customer demand; it’s that simple. Why would anyone want to buy a PS4 if it didn’t produce better visuals than its predecessor? They wouldn’t. I wouldn’t.

All I’m hoping is for developers and publishers to work together and bring back awesome gameplay, stories and characters and pair them with better visuals. With the next generation of games, developers need to come full circle to produce games that are complete in every sense of the word.

With the technology at their disposal, there’s no excuse for them not to.

You’re already off to a great start today—you picked up The Daily Aztec for crying out loud. Now go finish it the right way: By disregarding all of your homework, calling up your best friends and blowing each other away with incineration cannons.

Game over.

HOROSCOPE

by Nancy Black, Tribune Media Services

Today’s Birthday (2/28/13) - Overall, this year is about fun, love and creativity.

Domestic life bustles until summer, when romance carries you away. You’ll both teach and study this year. Travel to an ancestral home. Keeping financial and time management practices in well-oiled harmony provides ease and peace.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - You’re more responsible for getting your economy growing than you think. Close friends help you surpass obstacles. There’s profitable work coming in. Accept their encouragement.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is a 7 - Find the perfect balance between work and play, or combine them. It’s possible. But don’t overlook possible breakdowns. Take care not to provoke jealousies. New opportunities open up.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 - Disagreements motivate action and create a domino effect that helps solve the puzzle.

Your input is key. Go ahead and be decisive.

Don’t waste time arguing. Notice what you’re committed to.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is an 8 - Your heart is torn between business and pleasure. You know which one to choose if you consider carefully. Home calls you tonight; postpone travel or risky propositions.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 9 - Things may seem upside down today, but your mental powers are strong. Don’t gamble with your reserves, however. Make sure to take care of your health. Discipline is

required.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 9 - For the coming month, rely on a supportive partner. You’re very lucky in love now. Add organization to avoid missing an important date. Stop doing something that’s unprofitable.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 9 - Look deeper and gain insight into your own higher values. Begin planning home improvements. Do what worked before with a touch of your own originality. Drink plenty of water.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 6 - Be cautious with money. Try not to spend it all, and you could even profit. Give your partnerships some care. It’s best if you don’t force things to fit. Gentle pressure works best.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Love is all you need. Detours may happen on the way to your destination, so you may want to give yourself plenty of time.

Get in touch with your creative and open mind. Friends lend a hand.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 9 - You take on a vast project. Being well organized is crucial, especially because not all turns out as it appears. Give it full effort, complete the level, and get a bonus.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 7 - You’d rather play than work, but you’ll need to find the right balance. Relax to increase productivity. Saving is better than spending now.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 6 There may be conflicting orders, which forces you to be creative. Being prepared is only part of the equation. You also have to learn to improvise. It’s all in the listening. ©2013, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

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SUDOKU

by The Mepham Group, Tribune Media Services

Difficulty Level: 4 out of 4 Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com ©2013, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

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CROSSWORD

dustin michelson , senior staff photographer

DJ Eric love

sdsu business senior eric landman, aka dj eric love, will be competing in the red bull

thre3style dj competition at 9 p.m. tonight at typhoon saloon in pacfic beach. the competition will pit five djs from san diego universities against each other for a $1000 prize.

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Across 1 Send with an email 7 With 22-, 37- or 48-Across, familiar line 14 It has its charms 15 Password accompaniment 17 Mail for King Arthur 18 “Pull it together” 19 Fed. management and support agency 21 Fabric 22 See 7-Across 29 Ken and Lena of Hollywood 30 Tell-all account 31 Mosquito-borne fever 33 Islet 34 Preschool downtime 37 See 7-Across 41 Disapproving sound 42 Ballpark fig.

43 Two-__ 44 Shrill laugh 47 Bookkeeper’s deduction 48 See 7-Across 50 Literature Nobelist __ Bashevis Singer 52 __ Lanka 53 Words often said with a fist pump 57 Easy pill to swallow 62 Where a shopping list may be jotted down 63 Word of exasperation 64 Probable response to 7-/22-, 7-/37- or 7-/48-Across 65 Saved Down 1 Gardner of “The Killers” 2 NYY opponent, on scoreboards 3 Cat on the prowl 4 Excitement 5 Forks over reluctantly 6 __ trade 7 An O may symbolize one 8 Odessa-to-Austin dir.

9 To this point 10 Leaflike parts

by Rich Norris & Joyce Lewis, Tribune Media Services

Solutions available online at www.thedailyaztec.com 11 “Life of Pi” director 12 Unseen “Red” character in “Peanuts” 13 Give off 16 N.T. book 20 “All bets __ off” 22 Buffalo Bill and the Wyoming city named for him 23 Kitchen spreads 24 Frigid forecast word 25 Tech sch. grad 26 “Bingo!”

27 Andy’s TV son 28 Pics 32 To-be, in politics 34 Capone associate 35 Words after crack or fry 36 1996 role for Madonna or Jonathan Pryce 38 Sets a price of

39 Adjust, as to a new situation 40 Prey for a Hauskatze 44 Alpine dwelling 45 Battery not included, perhaps 46 Aurora, to the Greeks 48 Refrain from claiming 49 Prods 50 Like Vivaldi’s “Spring” 51 Joined the choir 54 Scooby-__ 55 Tape speed unit: Abbr.

56 Hanoi holiday 58 John of London 59 Nasty mutt 60 Birthday candle number 61 Prof’s deg.