Daily 49er, February 12, 2018

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

VOL. LXVIX, ISSUE 47 | FEBRUARY 12, 2018

D49er COMMENCEMENT

CONUNDRUM Sabrina Flores | Daily 49er

The field adjacent to the George Allen soccer field, which administration refers to as the intramural field, is the new location for the 2018 commencement ceremonies.

L

By Daily 49er Editorial Board

By President Jane Close Conoley

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Letter to the Editor

ast week the Daily 49er wrote an article about the 2018 commencement changes. A quote from me stating that ‘we were the class of 2018 and it (commencement) was a disaster’ was an unfortunate attempt at humor.

This phrase, especially when taken out of context, did not in any way reflect my true thoughts and feelings about this year’s ceremonies. For this inaccuracy, I sincerely apologize to students, faculty and staff. I continue to feel that this year’s commencement will be not only beautiful, but most importantly will honor our time-honored traditions.

A correction that I wanted to point out: The venue will be the intramural fields, not the George Allen field as stated in the article.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to voice their opinions on the proposed changes to Long Beach State University’s 2018 commencement ceremonies. I fully understand these events are among the most important in the life of our campus and that the effects of these special days are far-reaching, so my team and I take each concern seriously. Some aspects of commencement will remain intact, while others – out of necessity – must be modified. In short, we will change venues but our longstanding, beloved traditions will continue.

ess than four months away from 2018 graduation, thousands of Cal State Long Beach seniors were shocked to have the rug pulled out from under them after learning that live music would be cut from the ceremony and the original venue would be moved.

When the changes to the 2018 commencement were announced last Tuesday, they were not done in a way that gave the students a chance to participate or respond. The changes were uncovered in a small Academic Senate meeting, a body with no student representation, after members had mentioned this major shift in the ceremony as a side note. As of last week, reporters were told that the university’s public relations department wasn’t aware of these changes and could not comment.

We at the Daily 49er Editorial Board find this lack of communication on such a major announcement to be unacceptable for such a competitive and influential university. Students were not given a chance to respond and were not involved in any of the discussions about the changes. The administration did not offer any alternatives, or make an effort to see what students would be willing to give up to keep the live band until the the news was revealed to students in a Feb. 6 article. see EDITORIAL, page 5

see PRESIDENT, page 5

For the rest of the full letter from President Conoley and the response from our Editorial Board, refer to pages 4 and 5.

GRADUATION

Facing the music President Jane Close Conoley responds to backlash, announcing the return of music and confirming the location of 2018 commencement.

By Kat Schuster News Editor

After receiving backlash from students over the decision to cut live music and move the location of the Cal State Long Beach commencement ceremony, President Jane Close Conoley issued a

statement on the CSULB Newsroom that was posted to Twitter Friday announcing the reinstatement of live music.

“I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to voice their opinions on the proposed changes,” Conoley said in the statement. “These events are among the most important in the life of our campus, and the effects of these special days are far-reaching, so my team and I take each concern seriously.”

Provost Brian Jersky sent an email blast the same day to all campus members announcing that the ceremony would be moved to the intramural fields.

He listed the reasons for this were to increase security and safety, decrease the number of ceremonies, provide better access with closer parking lots and provide large screen monitors to see CEREMONY, page 2

I am ashamed to go to a college that treats their graduating class with such disrespect.”

“

Melanie Valenti

2 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 DAILY49ER.COM | CITYD49ER@GMAIL.COM

CEREMONY

continued from page 1

Sabrina Flores | Daily 49er

Members of the Youth Democratic Socialist of America held their first meeting of the semester in the Faculty Office 4 building.

CAMPUS ORGANIZATION

Democratic Socialism gains traction at The Beach The Cal State Long Beach Youth Democratic Socialists of America held its first meeting of the semester.

By Hunter Lee Photo Editor

Despite not being recognized as an official club yet, the cal state long beach chapter of The Cal State Long Beach chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America branch held its first spring semester meeting in the Faculty Office 4 building. Over 20 people were present for the meeting, a huge increase in attendance compared to the 10 students at the club’s first meeting back in December.

The meeting served as an introductory into the background of democratic socialism and the history of the parent

organization, the Democratic Socialists of America. The event also featured an election for the group’s general body.

Ana Leon, a junior economics major and founding member discussed the background of socialism and some of the positives that come with the social economic system including policies and addressing social issues.

“The endgame of [democratic] socialism as opposed to capitalism is just a happier society,” Leon said. “[A system] where basic needs are met including healthcare, housing, education and where people aren’t divided up.”

Another founding member, Andrew Mandujano, a senior business major, transitioned the conversation into the role the clubs expects to play in the future of the school and events for the semester.

“We have identified some efforts we’d like to pursue,” Mandujano said. “[They] include a College for All proposition, which places a state tax on properties

$3.5 million or over. We just need to collect signatures and mobilize on that.”

Near the end of the event, the club-elected members for the steering committee and lined up issues they plan to address during the semester which included: financial transparency, university labor support, student housing and fighting tuition increases.

The seven-member body consists of two tiers: the steering committee and the subcommittee. The steering committee includes two co-chairs and a treasurer, while the subcommittee is made up of four at-larges.

“The subcommittee is mainly where the work gets done,” Jordan Doering, a senior mechanical engineering major said. “[Subcommittee members] are in charge of taking on specific issues we decide to address.”

The group will continue to meet weekly but since they have yet to be recognized as an official club on campus there is no set location to host the club.

view graduates.

Conoley also submitted a letter to the Daily 49er three days after the original article broke the news commencement would be moving from the Central Quad and go without live music due to budget cuts.

Some commented on the article online.

“I can guarantee that the MUSIC MAJORS who play the live music are not costing $13,000,” an anonymous commenter wrote. “What a disrespect to the music department.” Melanie Valenti said: “I am ashamed to go to a college that treats their graduating class with such disrespect.”

The article, first published Feb. 6, received attention from both students and faculty and prompted an online petition on Change.org shortly after, which had garnered over 5,000 signatures

by Sunday.

Comments by students conveyed the opinions of those who chose to weigh in on the petition.

“It’s supposed to be a happy day,” Change.org user Patricia Pittman wrote. “Me and so many of my fellow colleagues are first generation college students who have worked countless hours to be able to graduate, and you’re going to allow it to be a disaster?”

The comment was made in response to a quote by Conoley in an article by the Daily 49er, regarding the 2018 commencement.

“We have to save money on something and we don’t want to raise student fees,” Conoley was quoted in the article.

“If it’s a disaster, that will be a story for those students to tell. They’ll say we were the class of 2018 and it was a disaster.”

Correction: Provost Brian Jersky announced Friday that the 2018 commencement ceremony will be held on the intramural fields.

Follow the Daily 49er on:

Go to www.daily49er.com for more information

NEWS 3

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 DAILY49ER.COM | CITYD49ER@GMAIL.COM CRIME BLOTTER

Police respond to grand theft and vandalism

By Sabrina Flores

Assistant Photo Editor

Push comes to shove Police received a call reporting an assault in the area surrounding the Human Services and Design buildings at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1. The student claimed the subject confronted the individual, shoved him and then fled the scene before University authorities arrived.

“The subject in this case is currently under investigation,” said Lieutenant Richard Goodwin of the University Police Department. “This is a subject there’s been previous context with. We’re looking into it right now.”

Due to ongoing investigation of the subject, University Police are not at liberty to release the individual’s name.

Courtesy of the CSULB Latina Connection Conference Facebook

Students mingle amongst each other during the 2017 Latina Connection Conference at the Pointe.

EVENT

A cultural connection “

The 17th annual Latina Conference will take place Feb. 16 for students to connect and share.

By Sarah Vehrs

Assistant News Editor

A day designed for Latinas to share their testimonials, academic goals and personal struggles awaits dozens of students at Cal State Long Beach.

The university will host the 17th annual Latina Connection Conference Feb. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme of the event is “honoring our past, transforming our future,” and it will take place in the University Student Union ballrooms, where lunch will be provided.

This free conference will be provided for Latina students to explore the role of culture and family in educational achievement, according to career counselor Rosa Trujillo. This event will be hosted by the Career Development Center, and will also discuss diversity and lifelong success.

“We really want to ask students, ‘who are you, what is the past that has built you and what is the transformation that will happen as you finish your education at CSULB?’” Trujillo said.

She also stated that discussions

I love being Hispanic; I love being Latina.

It’s one of the best parts of my life and it’s a huge part of who I am, so it will be comforting to meet other people who have had some of the same experiences as me.”

Carolina Xique will be based around how Latina students can honor their past, whether it’s with their family, being a first-generation college student or through the different experiences they have encountered along the way.

“I’m looking forward to the Hispanic comradery [at the conference],” said Carolina Xique, a junior theatre major. “I love being Hispanic; I love being Latina. It’s one of the best parts of my life and it’s a huge part of who I am, so it will be comforting to meet other people who have had some of the same experiences as me.”

According to the event organizers, one of the event’s main goals is to talk about what the next step after graduation will be for these students.

This conference will not only allow students to connect with each other through discussion, but also with coordinators, staff

and faculty on campus. This will help build a stronger support system and network for the students, according to their website.

“I’m looking forward to getting inspired and motivated by the other Latinas,” said Brenda Perez Leyva, a sophomore business and economics student. “I know that we can empower each other, especially sharing about being a Latina in the workplace, so I’m looking forward to getting advice and words of encouragement from the other women.”

Trujillo said that many students have come back to the Career Development Center to connect and use resources, after learning about what is offered at the conference. This allows many of them to get help with things like resume building and feeling connected to their community by reflecting on their stories with other Latinas.

“A lot of them really talk about what it means to be a Latina college student—especially if they are first generation college students,” Trujillo said. “They talk about their struggles and triumphs and really motivate each other.”

Students who want to RSVP are encouraged to log into CareerLINK, click on “events,” then click on “workshops” and select Latina Connection Conference.

Students who are unable to attend the whole event are encouraged to attend any part of the conference they can.

Defacement in the bathroom An anti-semitic act of vandalism in the girl’s bathroom of the Fine Arts 3 building was brought to the attention of University Police at 9:31 p.m. Feb. 5. The graffiti was scrawled on a stall in the bathroom.

“The writing was, and I quote, ‘Hitler did nothing wrong,’” said Goodwin. “It was written with a purple sharpie. A work order was submitted to clean up the damage.”

Upon inspection of other stalls, the individual who reported the crime found no further defacement. There were no witnesses and authorities currently do not have a suspect.

Computer thief strikes unsuspecting victim An individual called University Police to report the theft of a black HP laptop at 7:34 p.m. Feb. 4. The computer, which was valued at $1,000 dollars, was stolen from the first floor of the University Library between the computer lab and Starbucks areas. A report was filed but there are currently no suspects.

“The problem is if the bad guys are circulating through there and they’re looking for somebody to leave their stuff,” Goodwin said. “You walk away and they swoop in and take your computer.”

He advises students to keep a close eye on their valuables.

4 OPINIONS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 DAILY49ER.COM | OPEDD49ER@GMAIL.COM

Dear President Conoley, Letter to the Editor

I

was perplexed and perturbed after reading the article in the Feb. 6th issue in the Daily 49er, written by Lauren Martinez, titled “CSULB Academic Senate Discusses Proposed Budget Cuts” which announced that there are no funds for live music for the Class of 2018 Commencement Ceremonies at CSULB. These are the questions that come to mind, as a proud parent of a Class of 2018 CSULB student: 1) How in the world were there funds for this newly designed “statue” that sits along-

side an emergency pole on campus that is “out of order” and is meant to be used if there is a situation on campus where someone is in danger and needs prompt assistance.

2) Why is the University PAYING people for the musical portion of the commencement ceremonies at CSULB. Correct me if I am wrong, is there not an arts department on campus whereby talented students could actually be given the opportunity and honor to perform for their peers/their families at commencement free of charge, as a part of their education and class expectations? What

better way to showcase students talents and show pride of school concurrently?

3) Why is University President not considering these things as she boldly writes “We have to save money on something and we don’t want to raise student fees.” In my opinion, that is the disaster, here, Jane Close Conoley! The disaster is spending money foolishly and frivolously.

To use a common acronym now, SMH, Diane Stumpp, Parent of CSULB student, Class of 2018

President Jane Close Conoley needs to reinstate graduation After years of hard work, students have earned the full experience of graduation.

By Jonathan Garza Contributing Writer

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ife at Cal State Long Beach is pretty good; or at least it was until President Jane Close Conoley announced drastic changes to the commencement ceremonies.

Among the changes are plans to move the ceremonies from the Quad to George Allen Field.

Conoley told Academic Senate members that budget cuts caused these changes and the school would be saving $100,000.

“We have to save money on something and we don’t want to raise student

fees,” Conoley said. “If it’s a disaster, that State Fullerton collects. Since we’re alwill be a story for those students to tell. ready paying to graduate, may I suggest They’ll say we were the class of 2018 and increasing our fees to $70 just so we can it was a disaster.” have the graduation we’ve all dreamt I and every other Long Beach student about? has worked each day to reach the goal I notice that Provost Brian Jersky has of commencement, and the excitement written a response to the petition stating has faded. the school is looking to make the cereI’d pay to leave things as they are. mony a safer one for patrons.

With over 5,000 signatures on an Mr. Jersky, with all due respect, there online petition deare options!

Every visitor manding the return Every visitor gets of live music, students the pleasure of experigets the pleaclearly want live music encing the school the sure of experiat their graduation. way we do every day. encing the school the way Rather than remove it, There are measures we do every day.” the school could pass taken to ensure that on some of the fees to students are able to students who are walking. If the school reach their destinations. Couldn’t we do was to charge an extra $20 in student the same for our guests? fees toward graduation, it would raise We’d like to share with them the beau$95,360. ty of Maxson Plaza and our “amazing” While Conoley mentions that she new “Go Beach” sign. I apologize about does not want to charge students more, the sarcasm with the latter suggestion. the school is charging its graduates a But I digress. $45 fee, which is $70 less than what Cal I’m going to drag my friends and fam-

“

ily around the campus either way. I’ve worked hard for nearly 32 years to earn my right to be on the stage I watched my brother and stepmother graduate on, and I deserve that moment.

Think back to your graduation. Imagine being a part of the class that gets stripped of tradition. Would you be happy? Is it OK to be part of the class that was a disaster? What about the record 102,000 applicants that are fighting to be a part of this amazing institution this fall? How many will be turned off by the news that the school is cutting corners at the expense of its students’ culmination?

Do the right thing, CSULB. Reinstate our glorious tradition and let us preach about it for years. To the rest of the student body, staff, faculty, alumni and future family members of the Beach, please email Conoley and let her know how you feel.

Sign the petition while you are at it as well.

Our school is great; this decision is not.

Commencement News: A timeline Jan. 25 Faculty is notified via email on behalf of Lynne Bowman, executive assistant to the deans, of commencement changes. These include the removal of live music and moving the site to the “Athletic Soccer Field” according to the email.

Feb. 6 Daily 49er reports on these changes after learning of them in a Feb. 1 Academic Senate meeting which President Conoley attended and fielded questions.

Feb. 9 Provost Brian Jersky sent a university-wide email to students officially announcing changes to commencement for 2018. These changes included recorded graduation music instead of a live band, moving to the intramural fields and a new schedule for each ceremony.

Feb. 12 President Conoley authors a letter to the editor which is sent to the Daily 49er, in which she states that live music will not be cut from commencement. In her letter, Conoley said the university hopes to have live music funded by a private donor.

PR

con

To nou you to th prov imp mus In th com to h Th nies qua com beau the pan A his m atte have date – al fam tiall cere

OPINIONS 5

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 DAILY49ER.COM | OPEDD49ER@GMAIL.COM

EDITORIAL

continued from page 1

RESIDENT

ntinued from page 1

To begin with, I am happy to anunce that live music – performed by ur fellow students – will be restored he program. Student response vided us with insight about its portance to graduates, and so live sic will be played at the ceremonies. he meantime, the provost and I are mmitted to securing a private donor help fund the performances.

The biggest change to the ceremos will be the location. While the ad has been the traditional venue for mmencement – and I agree, it is a utiful space – we have “outgrown” site in terms of numbers of particints, safety concerns and costs.

As Provost Jersky pointed out in message last week, the number of endees has grown each year, so we e to find new ways to accommoe the larger numbers of graduates long with the bigger crowds of milies and friends – without substanly increasing costs or lengthening emonies.

&

As student media, covering administration has its ups and downs — however, with great power (and a great paycheck) comes the responsibility of holding oneself accountable for distributing information to the campus body in a transparent and timely manner. Unfortunately, administration did not succeed in this instance.

We would like to know when university administration planned on releasing this information to those whom commencement matters to most: the class of 2018.

In an email to faculty uncovered by the 49er, the news of the relocation and removal of music was announced on Jan. 25, well before students were informed of the changes. In this email, the administration states that the ceremony will now take place on the “Athletic Soccer Field.” When the name was changed in future emails to “intramural fields,” the initial report was called inaccurate by President Conoley. It seems to us that administrators simply weren’t on the same page, and this has left the newsroom (and the student body)

with more questions than answers.

According to Conoley, the school will save up to $100,000 with these changes to the ceremony. But the band was only estimated to cost $13,000, leaving $87,000 in “savings” unaccounted for.

It also raises the question of how the university is going to save money by moving the ceremony down to the intramural field.

Overall, this is another example of a lack of communication between the administration and student body. Budget cuts or not, students should have been involved in this conversation from the beginning. Instead, administration kept this knowledge to themselves.

Announcing massive and sudden changes to a ceremony that has been going on for decades and one that graduating students have been looking forward to for a long time was careless.

The proposed budget from Governor Jerry Brown has become a blanket excuse for administration mishandling money and bungling communication since it was announced on Jan. 9. Students who have spent thousands of dollars and years of their lives at this university deserve better, and it shouldn’t take over 5,000 signatures on a change.org petition and the student newspaper for the conversation to happen.

Furthermore, security and safety continue to be paramount, and using the new intramurals field site will allow the campus to address both concerns.

Because of the larger crowds, we must manage the issue of providing better pathways in the event of emergencies – something we are no longer able to do at the quad location. These matters directly affect first responders and emergency planning.

In addition, the site provides attendees – particularly the elderly and those with disabilities and health challenges – a place to view the ceremonies out of the midday sun and heat at the nearby, air-conditioned Pyramid. It also is worth noting the intramurals fields’ location presents better access to parking for the disabled.

As we continue toward our May commencement dates, we will share clear and timely communications so you have a better idea of the details and challenges surrounding these events.

I want to close by saying how proud I am of our traditions and in the campus’ beauty, and that I am grateful so many students celebrate the many wonderful aspects of The Beach.

Go Beach!

Daily 49er Miranda Andrade-Ceja Editor-in-Chief eicd49er@gmail.com

Mac Walby Managing Editor managingd49er@gmail.com

Illustrations By Drew Mametsuka | Daily 49er

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Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in this issue are those of the writers or artists.

The opinions of the Daily 49er are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Daily 49er.

Letters Policy: All letters and e-mail must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words. The Daily 49er reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space.

6 ARTS & LIFE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 DAILY49ER.COM | ARTSNLIFED49ER@GMAIL.COM

REVIEW

On the shoulders of giants, a remake worth playing With a complete remake, “Shadow of the Colossus” captures the feel of its 2005 predecessor.

By Hunter Lee Photo Editor

A protagonist of few words, a dead loved one and a mysterious voice guiding you across a vast, mysterious land to restore her life.

Originally released back in 2005 by Team Ico for the Playstation 2, “Shadow of the Colossus” was widely recognized as a game ahead of its time for its dense, free-roaming environment and over-the-top boss battles that set the standard for many openworld games to follow. A complete remake was released last Tuesday that improves on every aspect of the original.

Team Ico, the creative team behind “Ico” and “The Last Guardian,” have a long history of developing games with ambiguous backstories, leaving the rest of the adventure for players to decipher for themselves.

“Shadow of the Colossus” presents players with a story shrouded in mystery; assuming the role of a young boy named Wander, the player journeys into a distant land along with his horse, Aggro and an unnamed woman

Courtesy of Bluepoint Games

A towering colossus looms over the main character, Wander. “Shadow of the Colossus” receives a much needed graphics makeover in Bluepoint Games’ remake.

presumed to be dead. Entering an ancient temple, a mysterious voice known as Dormin tasks Wander with the slaying of 16 towering colossi in order to restore the girl’s life.

The 2018 remake, handled by Bluepoint Games, started from the ground up by rebuilding and revamping every detail in the environments and iconic boss battles. Bluepoint Games has proved itself capable of such an undertaking in past projects with video game remasters like “Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection,” “Metal Gear Solid HD Collection” and “God of War Collection.”

The heart of “Shadow of the Colossus” lies in the extravagant fights with the colossi that range from a bipedal bull-like creature

[The game] improves on every aspect of the original.”

“

to a soaring bird. The one characteristic each of the colossi share is size. The fights between Wander and the enormous beasts are meant to intimidate the player while rewarding them with

a sense of satisfaction that not many games have been able to deliver from defeating a boss.

True to the character’s namesake, a great deal of the game is spent wandering across the spanning plains. With no background music to accompany the player, it’s easy to get lost in the grand scale and detail of the environment.

With this free time, the player gets a chance to reflect on their actions throughout the nine to 11-hour story: Why are you following the commands of a mysterious voice to kill these colossi, who generally seem content on being left alone, on the promise

that it will bring the girl back to life? While there is a great sense of accomplishment in taking down the enormous creatures, there’s still a sense of guilt with every dying cry a colossus emits as you deliver the killing blow.

The gameplay overhaul is noticeable from the start, with more responsive controls and a new setup that makes more sense for modern controllers, while still leaving the classic setup as an option.

The frame rate has also been drastically improved and doesn’t see issues of drops like past iterations have suffered from. A much appreciated inclusion to the game was the photo mode, which allows players to pause the game at any moment to set up stunning screenshots. The mode even allows for in-depth editing with filters, depth of field and highlights that can result in some pretty spectacular images.

Fans of the original game should feel right at home with the new release while also appealing to newcomers who never got around to playing the original.

With improved graphics and a better control scheme, players can expect the same nostalgia trip the original release provided over a decade ago.

RATING

PREVIEW

‘Dreamers’ is ‘The play of the moment’ CalRep’s upcoming play responds to issues of our time, in real time.

By Samantha Diaz Arts & Life Editor

A protagonist of few words, a dead loved one a and mysterious voice guiding you across a vast, mysterious land to restore her life.

Originally released back in 2005 by Team Ico for the Playstation 2, “Shadow of the Colossus” was widely recognized as a game ahead of its time for its dense, free-roaming environment and over-the-top boss battles that set the standard for many openworld games to follow. [say here that the remake just came out] Team Ico, the creative team behind “Ico” and “The Last Guardian,” have a long history of developing games that deliver an ambiguous backstory,

leaving the rest of the adventure for players to decipher for themselves.

“Shadow of the Colossus” presents players with a story shrouded in mystery; assuming the role of a young boy named Wander, the player journeys into a distant land along with his horse, Aggro and an unnamed woman presumed to be dead. Entering an ancient temple, a mysterious voice known as Dormin tasks Wander with the slaying of 16 towering colossi in order to restore the girl’s life.

The 2018 remake, handled by Bluepoint Games, started from the ground up, rebuilding and revamping every detail into the environments and iconic boss battles to breathe new life into thean already groundbreaking game. Bluepoint Games has proved itself worthy of handling such an undertaking in past projects with iconic video game remasters including: “Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection,” “Metal Gear Solid HD Collection” and “God of War

Collection.”

The heart of “Shadow of the Colossus” lies in the extravagant fights with the colossi that range from a bipedal bull-like creature to a soaring bird. The, but one characteristic each of the colossi

A lot of times when people talk about dreamers they speak in abstract and stereotypes...

That’s why we’re trying to give a human face to the issue. That’s why this opportunity is so important.”

“

Armando VazquezRamos share is size. The fights between Wander and the enormous beasts are meant to intimidatemake the player feel intimidated while rewarding them with a sense of satisfaction that not many games have been able to

deliver from defeating a boss.

True to the character’s namesake, a great deal of the game is spent wandering across the spanning plains. Wand with no background music to accompany players, it’s easy to get lost in the grand scale and detail of the environment.

With this great deal of freetime, the player gets a chance to reflect on their actions throughout the nine to 11 hour story:; Why are you following the commands of a mysterious voice to kill these colossi, who generally seem content on being left alone, on the promise that it will bring the girl back to life? While there is a great sense of accomplishment in taking down one of the enormous creatures, there’s still a sense of guilt with every dying cry one of the colossi emits as you deliver the killing blow.

The gameplay overhaul is noticeable from the start, with the controls much more responsive and a new setup that makes more sense for modern controllers, while still leaving the clas-

sic setup as an option.

The frame rate has also been drastically improved and doesn’t see issues of drops like past iterations have suffered from. An added bonus for those who own a Playstation 4 Pro is the ability to prioritize a frame rate of 60 frames per second or a 4K high-def resolution for more enhanced graphics at the price of a 30 frames per second rate.

A much appreciated inclusion to the game was the photo mode, which allows players to pause the game at any moment to set up stunning screenshots. The mode even allows for in-depth editing like filters, depth of field, and highlights that can result in some pretty spectacular images.

Fans of the original game should feel right at home with the new release while also appealing to newcomers who never got around to playing the original. With improved graphics and a better control scheme, players can expect the same nostalgia trip the original release provided over a decade ago.

SPORTS 7

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018 DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

No. 1 LBSU sweeps George Mason The 49ers are the last remaining undefeated team, now 12-0.

By Zackery Handy Staff Writer

John Fajardo | LBSU Athletics

Long Beach State freshman guard Jordan Roberts attempts a layup in Saturday’s game against Cal Poly at the Walter Pyramid.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

49ers get defensive in 23-point win against Mustangs at home

By Kevin Colindres Assistant Sports Editor

Two double-doubles and a defensive showcase propelled the Long Beach State men’s basketball team to a dominant home win over Cal Poly 73-54 Saturday.

LBSU (13-14, 7-4 Big West) got back into the win column with the help of senior forward Gabe Levin’s 20 points and 11 rebounds while junior forward Temidayo Yussuf had a 17 point and 11 rebound night of his own.

Cal Poly (8-17, 3-8 Big West) is currently tied for second to last in the Big West Conference, and Long Beach took advantage on both ends of the floor.

After a devastating double-overtime loss against UC Davis last week, head coach Dan Monson felt happy about his team’s effort against Cal Poly.

“I’m really pleased with our guy’s attitude tonight,” Monson said. “Having a week to sit on those two losses...was difficult but it was needed mentally and physically.”

The first half was an offensive nightmare for the 49ers, due in large part to Monson’s focus on defense in practice.

“We didn’t run any offense this week until Friday,” Monson said. “We spent all week focusing on defense that we lost our rhythm, but we brought it back together in the second half.”

A 26-20 first half was quickly forgotten as both teams would pick up the pace in the latter part of the match.

Long Beach struggled to grab boards until the second half, where the team would out-rebound the Mustangs 47-39. It was an

BIG WEST STANDINGS SCHOOL

OVERALL W-L

CONFERENCE W-L

1 UC Santa Barbara 2 UC Irvine

19-5 13-14

3 UC Davis 4 Cal State Fullerton

16-9 14-9

5 Long Beach State 6 Hawai’i

13-14 13-10

8-2 8-3 7-4 7-4 7-4 4-6

7 Cal Poly 8 Cal State Northridge 9 UC Riverside

8-17 6-19 6-18

3-8 3-8 1-9

issue the coaching staff addressed coming out of the first half that Levin and Yussuf took personally.

“We’re the two guys with the most experience and we’ve been in these situations before,” Yussuf said.

Both players agreed they could be double-double guys every night and it was their job to set the intensity.

Something the team struggled with in its last two losses was hitting its free throws, but the 49ers were able to shoot an efficient 21 of 25 from the line to help seal the deal against the Mustangs.

“This was a must-win, we needed this game,” Levin said. “We got it, which is great, but we need to get better and gain momentum.”

Long Beach has a tough schedule to end the season including two games against the top-ranked team in the Big West Conference against UC Santa Barbara.

“We’re going to continue to get better and we’re going to see how it plays out,” Monson said.

Long Beach finishes the last game of its homestand at 7 p.m. Thursday against UC Santa Barbara.

The No. 1 Long Beach State men’s volleyball team continued its perfect season by taking care of a feisty George Mason team in straight sets on the road in Fairfax, Virginia Saturday.

George Mason (4-7) would test Long Beach State (12-0) in the first set, battling through 13 ties and four lead changes, nearly breaking the team’s consecutive sets streak at 26.

Long Beach would hold on and eventually take care of the pesky George Mason team in straight sets 26-24, 2522, 25-19.

All concern about junior outside hitter Kyle Ensing’s health should be put to rest, as he led the 49ers in kills for a team leading eighth time this season, posting a match leading 12 kills (.611) to go with four digs and three blocks.

“George Mason came out firing away, and we kind of had to get back into it and match their level,” Ensing told LBSU_MVB via Twitter.

Junior setter Josh Tuaniga continued to lead the 49ers offense, dishing out 42 assists, three kills and six digs while pacing the team to a .577 hitting percentage. “.577 as a team is a really big number, and that is a pretty big compliment to Josh [Tuaniga],” 49er head coach Alan Knipe told LBSU_MVB via Twitter.

Defense proved to be pivotal as the 49ers would hold the Patriots to a lackluster .154 hitting percentage on the night. Senior middle blocker Nick Amado and Ensing controlled the net for Long Beach, leading the team with three blocks a piece, Amado would add six kills on the night.

“It wasn’t super comfortable blocking balls tonight,” Knipe said via Twitter. “We were working real hard at it and weren’t getting success.”

Junior libero Jordan Molina would hold down the backline on defense, leading the match with seven digs. He would also add two assists.

The Patriots would fail to put a player in double digits in kills, sophomore outside hitter Hayden Wagner would come the closest posting eight kills, one dig and one block.

Long Beach continues to etch its name in the program’s history books by becoming the third team to start a season 10-0 or better. The team has also failed to concede a set since Jan. 6, converting 29 consecutive sets.

“I liked the fight and the grit that they showed, and more importantly the execution and composure at the end,” said Knipe via Twitter.

Long Beach return to the court at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Walter Pyramid where the team will face No. 2 UCLA.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018

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