Many of us have already developed sophisticated mechanisms for coping with the city's (and state's and nation's) paralyzing heat: keeping put, staying inside, sleeping – all proven winners. But if there's one activity known for its blessed adherence to the virtues of air-conditioning, it's gaming. Even the stereotype of individuals huddled around a dingy basement table sounds like a welcome respite from sweltering temperatures. And gaming in Austin, be it of the high-tech or tabletop variety, is so much more than a cool indoor space.

Like Kung Fu Saloon. I went back after having been there only briefly to scope out the Skee Ball, fully determined to drink Sake bombs and play Donkey Kong until nausea set in, or at the very least, a queer aversion to barrels. I would have to drink and play video games until my eyes could bear no more.

My journalistic integrity demanded it.

And I wasn't disappointed. The Saloon is a happy marriage of alcohol and nostalgia, with enough beers to make it a bar and enough buttons to make it an arcade. Now you might be thinking “but a lot of bars have arcade games,” in which case you are wrong. Golden Tee is physical therapy for those who need to relearn ball-spinning and Deer Hunter is best not discussed in polite company. Though the Saloon carries both, it's the number of its real classics that make it shine (think Galaga, Joust or NBA Jam).

But maybe you're a purist. There are still a few dedicated arcades, where Street Fighter duels determine status (literally). Arcade UFO, a tiny building on Speedway built to “follow in the footsteps of the legendary Einstein's Arcade” just hosted the Final U.S qualifier for the world Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition competition, sending its two-man team winner on to face the world's champions in Japan. Arcade UFO keeps the rather intense hours of three to one A.M. on weekdays and one to 3 A.M on weekends, but don't let that intimidate you, as it offers a rare glimpse of what has become an endangered institution: UFO is the only independently owned coin-operated arcade left in Texas.

But isn't there an event, you say, that incorporates your love of arcade-style gaming with the glitz and glamor only the prefix “fantastic” can provide? Yes, and you should stop asking such shamefully leading questions – people are starting to talk. The Fantastic Fest Arcade has been a part of Alamo's programming for the festival the last couple of years and – like all things Alamo – has become a circus of indie-labeled items grown beyond its wildest expectations. Last year's festival included four days of tournament gaming – in every arena from DDR to a custom Left 4 Dead 2 map in which players defended the Alamo Drafthouse S. Lamar and the Highball from a rampaging horde of zombies. This year's event kicks off September 23^rd, but the Alamo has been quiet so far on what to expect. Well, besides a plan to introduce independent arcade machines all over town.

You know, besides that.

For a sophisticated means of beating the heat, you could do worse than grabbing some friends and drowning you troubles in a sea of pixels. And if you don't like gaming, chin up – there's always December.