There was a time when you could spit in an arcade and hit at least four or five fighting games before you got kicked out for spitting in an arcade. Apparently this isn’t the case anymore. From the herds of carbon copy and “me too” fighters of yesteryear there are merely a handful of competitors still in the battle.

Sticking to the arcades, but more than likely to be released for the home consoles, is the most recent edition to the series King of Fighters: King of Fighters XII. So far it’s only being previewed and considered a Japanese arcade release, but that doesn’t remove it entirely from washing up on western shores at some point.

Those unfamiliar with the KOF series would do well to check out this twelfth volume simply to appreciate the gorgeous graphics. Much like the graphic style change that took place between Street Fighter II and Street Fighter III, KOF XII takes full advantage of the ridiculous amount of processing power available to developers and cranks out visuals akin to an animated movie. One of the most off-putting aspect of the last dozen games from SNK-Playmore has to be the stagnant quality of the their graphics. Many of their hit series were created in the late ’80s to early ’90s, but that’s no excuse for the presentation to remain unchanged decades later. This Hi-Def visual approach may very well shift the KOF series back into the public eye and be less of a hardcore exclusive.

The biggest competition for KOF XII, according to its director, is the long-awaited Street Fighter IV. 1UP.com did a great four-week feature on the game which I highly recommend checking out if you count yourself as a SF fan. The most notable change to the series is the shift from 2D-sprites to 3D-models. The gameplay is assuredly still the same, high-quality 2D fighting just with 3D characters and backgrounds. This may sound pretty familiar to anyone who’s played any of the Street Fighter EX games. The producer of SF IV seems to understand how that association might bring some doubt, but reactions from members of the media who’ve tried the game first hand say it feels “right.” Street Fighter IV is currently slated for arcades first, followed by ports to both the PS3 and Xbox 360.

For those like their Street Fighter good and flat there’s a remake of Super Street Fighter II Turbo finishing up development pretty soon. The remake features completely redone graphics by the artists over at UDON Studios. Years ago, when I was still in high school, there was a high-quality illustration of Chun Li done by an artist named Long Vo featured in PSM. I was really impressed by the picture and hoped the artist would produce more works that would reach outside of being featured in the fan art page of the old (unofficial) Playstation Magazine. As it would turn out he would have hand in UDON Studios and online community Gaia Online. I wonder if he’s had any input or made a contribution to the remake.

There are a couple of other big fighting game titles coming out either this year or next like Soul Calibur IV or Tekken 6. With almost everyone running some sort of broadband Internet connection and all of the major home consoles connecting online, there may be a renewed interest in punching people in the face for fun.

Why are people so into Grand Theft Auto and all of its respective imitators? Is it the draw of action without fear of consequences? Is it the critical success of the series? Is it a third thing?

One thing that is assured is that the open-world, sandbox-type game is here to stay. Although many games decide to run with the criminal overlay (i.e. GTA, Saint’s Row, The Godfather, Mafia, Infamous) there are those that go a different route (i.e. Spider-man, Crackdown, The Incredible Hulk, Mercenaries).

On a completely different note, there are some folks who don’t appreciate the grimy, gritty, criminal spin a lot of games have taken. The greatest offense though: no more blue skies. Welcome to the Blue Sky in Games campaign. To quote their opening statement, “Games need BLUE SKIES! Games need BRIGHT YELLOW SUNS! Games need RED AND BLUE THINGS in them!”

The whole idea of throwing games back to how they “used to be” might not appeal to the big game makers, but indie developers might have just the cure for the lack of blue skies and red things. Maybe next time, but for now go play your GTAIV and I’ll go play mine.

Each week I make a point to listen to a bunch podcasts about video games, and other assorted things of personal interest.

The other week on the 1UP Network podcast “1UP Yours” former regular guest cum recurring guest John Davison mentioned a free gaming site. Now, free gaming sites aren’t anything new or special, usually, but this one is called Kongregate (www.kongregate.com) and it’s pretty darn fun. It’s been described by other media outlets as the “YouTube of video games”.

Folks can play, upload, and rate game submissions made in Flash. The current stock of games run a wide range of types from traditional platformers like The Fancy Pants Adventure to the title Protector which falls under the recently created genre of defense.

Well, they had a 2D version of game media darling Portal on there so I thought I’d check it out. So far it’s been a blast. The site has their own version of achievements sprinkled about the majority of games. Some achievements even grant you a trading card to be used with their very own collectable card game called Kongai. (Just don’t be fooled into thinking they’re going to release a card game any sooner than before it’s ready.) If you’re interested in the site feel free to share that I was the one to refer you (User name: chfuji).

Speaking of cards, the next batch of Magic cards are coming out this May. The set is called Shadowmoor and I love the entire theme. To get an idea without clicking the link, just think of the Nightmare Before Christmas and all the “original” Grimm Fairy Tales.

Lastly, I decided to download the Metal Gear Solid cellphone game, exclusive to Verizon subscribers. The graphics are impressive and the frame rate is very fast. If not for my phone having the crappiest battery crafted by human hands, I’d be able to play a bit further than the first two rooms. Everything series fans are used to is in this game which takes place sometime between the first and second Metal Gear Solid games. Here’s the press release from Verizon. For screen shots and video clips check out the 1UP.com review.

I was out in Kapiolani park on Saturday night, along with many other fans who didn’t get tickets to the sold-out event. While the sound isn’t as clear, a seat in the park was definitely adequate for listening and dancing. Plus, watching the full moon appear out of a glow from behind Diamond Head was the most beautiful scene I have witnessed in quite some time.

Getting there just in time for Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds to play, I missed not only 3 great sets I’m sure, but apparently the fence between the back of the venue and the park got knocked over somehow…a rushing mob of mischievous fans, perhaps? Don’t take my word for it though, it is just speculation on my part.

This was my first opportunity to hear Matthews and Reynolds play together since the last time Live at Luther College Disc 1 made it into rotation on my much-neglected portable CD player. Even without One Sweet World played in either of their sets last weekend, the live recording does no justice for this duo when you are actually hearing them play together…LIVE. For Matthews’ first show in Hawaii no less. Playing many DMB hits like Crash Into Me, Don’t Drink the Water, Ants Marching, Crush, Two Step, Dancing Nancies and Tripping Billies, among others–they played over an hour each night– the highlight for me was Gravedigger, no doubt. Plus, Reynolds’ solo reinforced all those compliments about being a master of his trade. I have to admit, as much fun as a DMB show is (and, yes, I have been to my fair share of those, too) I absolutely love the Matthews/Reynolds collaboration. What took so long?! Better late than never I suppose.

Mason Jennings, Minneapolis-based musician born in Honolulu, returned for the first time in over 20 years to play his first show in Hawaii. I had the opportunity to interview him last week by phone, and I have to say he is probably one of the most genuine people I have interviewed in my budding journalism career. It was like talking to a friend about something they love–in this case, music and the environment–which eased my nerves very early in the conversation. Like all the other artists at the festival, Jennings’ records do no justice to his musicianship and live performance, even when stopping mid-song to re-tune his guitar. Live, his sound is even more reminiscent of Bob Dylan than his CDs suggest. Listening to him play took me back to a time when music was more raw; when boys didn’t wear eyeliner and skintight pants and sing songs with 14-word titles to screaming hormonal teens. I admire his ability to attract audiences of varying ages and generally varied musical tastes. I think with all of the artists at the festival, the common factor is their ability to close the ever-expanding generational gap and produce music that kids can listen to with their parents–even their grandparents (…maybe).

Paula Fuga and Go Jimmy Go rounded out the lineup with a little bit of local flare. Paula’s sweet voice has so much power behind it, and you can see it in her face when she sings that it is from the soul. And local ska band GJG had the high-energy performance of the night, complete with lots of jumping around onstage and a tattooed brass section that knows how to groove.

North Shore’s own Jack Johnson played a nice mix of old and new songs both nights. Flake, Bubble Toes and Banana Pancakes both nights, with Angel, All At Once and If I had Eyes. Sleep Through the Static, Mud Football, Wasting Time, Breakdown, Inaudible Melodies, Better Together and Taylor were just a few of his other hits played. The addition of ALO’s Zach Gill on keyboards gave me a whole new perspective on Jack Johnson’s music. His bluesy-pop undertones (think Ben Folds) give a little bit of edge to Johnson’s typical mellow surfer vibe, apparent not only in the songs off Johnson’s latest album, but even on his older stuff. Gill and Johnson’s personalities work well together onstage as well, making it a fun experience for all.

As was the case last year, and I am sure in previous years, Jack Johnson invited the other acts onstage with him for some killer collaborations, like he and Mason Jennings on Jennings’ Living in the Moment. Or Jimmy Buffett’s A Pirate Looks at Forty with Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds. And, of course, The 3R’s, Johnson’s take on that old School House Rocks favorite Three is a Magic Number, with the entire lineup of artists onstage for the final song each night. I have to admit I was pretty stoked when I heard Matt Costa Saturday night, and they even played Sunshine, which left me disappointed on Sunday when Costa did not join Johnson at all. Oh well.

The eco village was so busy every time I tried to walk around. I didn’t see a booth without inquiring festival-goers, and each was manned with well-informed members of each organization ready to answer any questions you had. The lines for the delicious organic dishes from places like Down to Earth were seemingly endless. I just hope people take the information they received and actually implement at least one positive change into their lifestyles, whether it is participating in beach clean-ups, recycling, eating organic foods or even donating to a green cause. Every conscious effort made by an individual to do something good for the environment has an impact, I just don’t think enough people realize the power of a million individuals doing just one good thing. It adds up!

I encourage all fellow students to take advantage of this opportunity to save money, and by doing so, perhaps we can encourage the erstwhile gougers to perhaps consider the impoverished and nay, indebted plight, of us, the toiling students.

Stay tuned for more commentary as The Bali Lama continues his crusade against injustice by analyzing and dissecting falsity and propaganda and counter-asserting a revolutionary narrative of truth.

This s a terrible day for UH sports, from the top of he mountain a few weeks ago to the very bottom these past few days. And now the whole state is left to think the same thing we’ve been tinking for the last few years. “Time to go Herman” and those are in the nicest words possible. Frazier has done nothing but hang a dark cloud over the success of UH athletics, he’s horrible with communicating to the public and his decisions as an administrator make no sense.

As for Jones on one hand he says it breaks his heart, which i do believe but its just hard to believe he is leaving. I wishhe would have went public with his list and then given a week timetable to say he will resign if it is not met. But instead we’re hit with it like a bullet train left to wonder what really happend and where his heart really is. Jones did a lot for our university, i refused to believe he would leave but it’s all too real now. For now thats all i got to lie down before my head pounds some more. Thank You Jones, and Frazier do yourself a favor and step down.

Ka Leo Sports Desk

            University of Hawaii junior Davone Bess announced this weekend his decision to forgo his senior year to enter the National Football League draft. Bess, a three-year starter, finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (293) and touchdowns (41).

“This is an opportunity I felt I couldn’t pass up,” said Bess, who received a second round grade by the NFL Advisory Committee. “It’s been a dream of mine to play in the NFL and I’ve worked hard these past three years to get to this point.”

            In his stay at UH, Bess tallied 3,610 receiving yards (2^nd), 3,877 all-purpose yards (5^th), and 250 points (4^th). He caught a pass in all 39 career games played and was the nation’s active career leader in receiving touchdowns. In addition, Bess and quarterback Colt Brennan shared the NCAA record for most touchdown combinations (39) with Louisiana Tech’s Tim Rattay and Troy Edwards.

            This season, the Oakland, California native was nominated for the preseason Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver, named to the Associated Press All-America third team and Walter Camp All-America second team as well as first-team all-Western Athletic Conference this season. He led the team with 108 receptions, a new single-season school mark, 1,266 yards receiving, and 12 touchdowns. In their match up against Boise State, Bess set a new UH single-game mark with 15 receptions following a 181 yard performance for two touchdowns.  

Bess’ three-year career in Hawaii saw a number of acclamations, including All-America honorable mention on si.com and Freshman All-America accolades from The Sporting News, Football Writers Association of America and rivals.com in 2005, as well as being a three-time all-WAC selection.

“It was a thrill to be a part of something special this past season and I’ll remember what this team accomplished for the rest of my life,” Bess said. “To coach Jones, coach (Ron) Lee and my teammates, I say thanks for making me, not only the player I am today, but the man I’ve become. It’s hard to say goodbye but I can’t thank our fans enough for the support they showed during my career. To them, I say mahalo. I will forever be a part of the great Warrior tradition.”

Bess and the Warrior squad capped a near perfect season with a 12-1 mark by finishing as outright WAC champions and earning the school’s first-ever Bowl Championship Series game appearance against Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.