Some Sweet Cosplays, pt. 2

Okay, so since I made my first post on video game cosplays, many months ago, I have developed a sort of guilty pleasure involving the subject. While I've never really cosplayed, myself, it's not too unusual for me to get caught up in looking at other people's cosplays on deviantART, sometimes for an hour at a time. So without further ado, I present you: Some Sweet Cosplays, pt. 2.

This one just cracks me up. Not only are the costumes themselves very well-done, but those of you who are familiar with Team Fortress 2 and have seen the "Meet the Spy" video know that the Scout's mom is, apparently, quite the catch. So here, we have a hilarious and unmistakable demonstration of just that. It's title? "Dat Ass". Photo and cosplay done by PANCAKEScosplay on deviantART.com where you can find lots more cosplay goodness in their gallery, including more delightful TF2 ones.

I think it's safe to say that I have a certain, uh, fascination with the Splicers from the BioShock games. But that's not all that makes this cosplay so great, to me. The costumes are exquisite and the photography is spot-on, AND the setting looks like it came straight from Rapture, like a real-life scene from the game. And after all, isn't the recreation of beloved nerdoms what cosplay is all about? Photo uploaded by Dids-91 on deviantART. The rest of her BioShock cosplays can be viewed here.

In my opinion, some of the best cosplays on the internet are ones from the Final Fantasy series. The games themselves are an impressive demonstration of interesting character design, so it's no wonder that so many people are inspired to recreate their favorite Final Fantasy heroes and villains. This one of Lightning and Serrah from Final Fantasy XIII is one of favorites, for obvious reasons...great costumes, great photo, great emotions. Photo uploaded by RainerTachibana.


Those of you who have played Fallout 3 can appreciate the awesomeness of this Lone Wanderer cosplay by Frauette. I don't think I've ever seen a better Lone Wanderer costume. I mean, with her Pip-Boy 300 and everything, she looks like she just came from Vault 101! The setting in the photo is perfect and a common sight for players in the game, making the whole thing all the more delightful. Be sure to check out the other Fallout 3 cosplay photos in her gallery, as well.



I've liked this one for a long time. If you've played Final Fantasy IX, then you should recognize Kuja (in his Trance form) as cosplayed by Demented-Kid (she's got lots of other neat Kuja cosplays, as well). What impresses me the most is the hair--or rather, feathers. I've seen lots of people attempt it, but few seem to be able to pull it off...let alone this good. Aside from that, the makeup and costume are all fabulous, too.


That's all for now. I'm sure I'll have more neat cosplays to share in the future, though, so keep your eyes peeled.

Some Very Awesome Video Game Soundtracks

When it comes to entertainment, there are usually two things that catch my attention: the aesthetic and the soundtrack. This is true of movies, TV shows, and especially, video games. The way a game looks is an obvious determining factor in its appeal, but I cannot tell you how many times I have been compelled to buy a game simply because of the music playing in its trailer. Every good game needs a soundtrack that helps set the mood and immerse the player in the game's setting. However, over the years, there have only been a handful that have truly moved and inspired me, so for this post, I thought I'd share some of them with you and say what I think makes them so great.

Shadow of the Colossus

Despite being a cult classic of sorts, everyone knew that this game was going to be epic the moment it was announced. The objective of the game was simple enough: journey across a dreamy and mysterious land on your trusty steed in search of colossal beings...once you find them, climb them and kill 'em dead. While the thrill of taking one of these huge things down (and I mean HUGE) is undeniable, you can't help but feel a sense of remorse for destroying something so magnificent. All of this is and more is portrayed perfectly in Shadow of the Colossus's ethereal and grandiose soundtrack.

The Kingdom Hearts series
It's no secret that I love this game. I still remember the first time that I saw a trailer for it on TV. I had read bits and pieces about it in gaming magazines, but none of that could hold a candle to the trailer. The moment that I heard Hikaru Utada's "Simple and Clean", I knew that I must acquire this game as soon as possible. And that's not the only thing that makes the OST so awesome. Among its dozens of tracks, listeners will feel nostalgia, excitement, fear, and longing, all of which beautifully compliment the memorable adventure that is Kingdom Hearts.

Fallout 3/Fallout: New Vegas
Made up of a satisfying blend of already existing oldie classics and original instrumental tracks, the music of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas not only acts as a fantastic backdrop for the game's retro, post-apocalyptic, out-west setting, but gives players the delightful feeling of ominous adveturousness, which is--I believe--what Fallout is all about. Fallout 3's soundtrack was impressive, no doubt, but I think that New Vegas's takes the cake.

BioShock/BioShock 2

Set in the 1960's, BioShock and BioShock 2's soundtracks have a retro feel to them, similar to Fallout 3/New Vegas. However, what makes BioShock and it's sequel so special is the games' use of mood. Everything from the story to the game's art sets out to create a world of horror, beauty, and loss, and the OST is no exception. Players and listeners alike will find the game's music unsettling, but at the same time, will want to loose themselves in it, and that's what makes BioShock and BioShock 2's soundtracks so fantastic.

The Final Fantasy series

When I think of expert story-telling in video games, the Final Fantasy series is the first thing that comes to mind. Distinct characters, mind-blowing worlds, and intricate plot-lines are what make these games such a success, but the games' soundtracks add another whole new layer of depth. These OSTs are fully capable of telling the games' stories, in and of themselves. With each new title, fans are reminded that no combination of feelings is too complex to be perfectly captured in this series's amazing soundtracks.

I would love to hear which video games you think have excellent soundtracks in a comment below.

Video Game Romances that I Love

For people who don't play games, it may be hard to believe what gamers have long-known: video games tell some of the best love stories you could ask for. In fact, romance has been a common theme in video games since the days of Pacman and his beloved Ms. Pacman. Personally, I find that games that successfully integrate a compelling love story are far more memorable, so I thought that in honor of the holiday, I would share some of my favorite video game romances with you all (contains spoilers).

Zidane and Garnet/Dagger from Final Fantasy IX

The romance between these two all starts when Zidane, who is part of a plot to steal Princess Garnet, bumps into her as she's attempting to make an escape from Alexandria, the kingdom over which her mother rules. As if drawn to each other by fate, Garnet agrees to let Zidane "kidnap" her so long as he and his band of thieves, Tantalus, assist her in getting to Lindblum to meet with Regent Cid who, as it turns out, was the person who hired Tantalus to kidnap her in the first place. Along their journey, they encounter many sinister foes and witness horrible destruction caused by said foes. This only fuels the involvement between Zidane and Garnet. Initially, Zidane's interest in Garnet is little more than one of his frequent displays of shallow womanizing, but as the two get to know each other and Garnet becomes "Dagger", her non-princess cover, Zidane's feelings for her turn into something more. At the realization that there's little chance of them hooking up with each other, he is left heartbroken, convinced that even if Dagger did love him in return, he would never be suitable for royalty. However, towards the end of the game, Zidane is believed to be dead and when the two are reunited some time later, they embrace their love for each other, making for a very happy ending.

Ico and Yorda from Ico

More innocent than most other game romances, perhaps, Ico and Yorda's is not only essential to their survival but a crucial gameplay element. Ico being a horned outcast and Yorda a strange, gentle sort of ghost, all they have is each other. Both characters are trying to escape from a large and haunted castle inhabited by Yorda's evil, shadowy, ghost queen of a mother and a host of other frightful specters that appear to be made of the same shadowy stuff as their queen. Both characters also possess unique abilities that compliment eachother's. For example, Yorda has supernatural powers that allow her to open certain magical doorways and Ico is strong and agile, able to push around large stone blocks and climb chains to solve puzzles. Ico literally holds Yorda's hand throughout most of the game in order to lead her through the castle and prevent her from being stolen away by the queens shadow monsters who are constantly pursuing the two. After a final showdown with the Yorda's mother, both Ico and Yorda escape the castle as it is turned to ruins and wake up together on a beach after.

The Prince and Farah from The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time trilogy

The unnamed Prince and Farah's relationship is similar to that of Ico and Yorda in that the two are alone in a world filled with fearsome monsters and depend on each other for survival. The Prince is handy with his sword and dagger while Farah is good with the bow. Farah can slip in through small openings to poke around on the other side, and the Prince can scale walls and swing from pole to pole. One of my favorite things about these two is their constant bickering throughout the games. Believe me, it's very entertaining. The Prince and Farah meet in the first SoT game when the Prince's kingdom is overthrowing hers. While this would normally make these two mortal enemies, they don't really have any choice other than to team up after the Sands of Time are unleashed and turn everyone else except the evil Vizier into sand monsters. During their journey to restore normality by reversing time, the two start to fall in love. They even take a bath together at one point. Sadly, at the end of the game, the Prince is forced to go back in time, erasing his relationship with Farah in addition to saving the day. However, he drops some hints before it's all said and done and the pair meet again in The Two Thrones.

Yuna and Tidus from Final Fantasy X (and X-2)

Yuna and Tidus's love story is one of the most popular of the series, and for good reason. These two star-crossed lovers are destined to save the world together, but in doing so, they must ultimately part from each other in a very permanent fashion. They initially meet after Tidus wakes up 1000 years in the future while Yuna's just beginning her pilgrimage to become a Summoner in the hopes of defeating the monsters known as Sin. This would be a very quick fix that would--as Tidus discovers later--take Yuna's life. For as long as anyone can remember, Summoners have repeated this process in order to grant brief, decade-long periods of peace between Sin's rebirths. From the start, the romance between the two isn't looking too bright. However, after some groundbreaking truths are revealed, plans are changed and things begin to look up for the couple. They get to thinking that there's a way to defeat Sin for good without sacrificing anyone's life. This is all good, but it's later revealed to Tidus that he isn't exactly "real", but rather, a dream of sorts that the Gods (called "the Fayth") came up with in order to put a stop to Sin. When that happens, the Fayth will stop dreaming and Tidus ceases to exist. Knowing this, Tidus continues with his mission and ultimately helps destroy Sin for good. Afterwards, Tidus leaves Yuna with a very touching goodbye and disappears, leaving Spira behind, finally at peace.

Sora and Kairi from the Kingdom Hearts series

What can I say? Square Enix is good at romance. Sora and Kairi, along with their friend, Riku, crave adventure. They build a raft together and while they're preparing to embark on their journey to other worlds, the two start to hint at their interest in each other. Unfortunately, before they get the opportunity to make anything of it, their world is overcome by Darkness and destroyed. However, before Sora is transported to another world, he encounters Kairi whose heart, rather than being taken by the Darkness, becomes one with Sora's, unbeknownst to him until much later. Seperated from his friends, Sora begins his journey not only to find them, but to save the worlds from the Heartless. Along the way, he encounters many obstacles and is filled with intense longing for Riku and Kairi. But Riku becomes jealous of Sora, who has been chosen as the Keyblade Master, as well as his relationship with Kairi, who, without her heart, has become "a lifeless puppet". By the end of the game, Sora battles a possessed Riku, sacrifices himself to restore Kairi's heart, and in turn is saved by her. Then, finally, he seals the door to Darkness, restoring peace to the worlds. After this is done, he finds Kairi on a patch of land that is slowly turning back into Destiny Islands. Separated from her, he reaches out and assures her that he'll come back to her. The two are finally reunited towards the end of the second game and all is well.

Well, there you have it. I would love to hear what your favorite video game love stories are in a comment below. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.

Yoshitaka Amano

One of the things that really got me interested in video games at a young age was the artwork that went into them. As a kid, I remember spending hours looking at the illustrations and concept art that were spread throughout the booklets that came with the games--particularly those of Final Fantasy games. Anyone who knows anything about Final Fantasy knows that the games' visual designs and graphics are some of the best out there. One of the people largely responsible for the series' prestigious aesthetic is Yoshitaka Amano who has been contributing artwork to the games since Square Enix very first started making them.

While Tetsuya Nomura has more or less taken over the art scene since Final Fantasy VII was made back in the mid-90's, Amano is still involved and is still the series' "title logo designer", among other things. With every new FF title that comes out, there's usually at least half-a-dozen new illustrations of his to go with it.

Amano is by far one of my favorite artists of all time. I fell in love with his work when I was just a kid and as I've gotten older, I've only grown more and more impressed by it. While he has lots of amazing stuff that has nothing to do with Final Fantasy, the series has no doubt helped him spread his wings as an artist. Well, enough of me talking about it...have a look for yourself:

All images were found on GiantBomb.com and are the property of Yoshitaka Amano/Square Enix.

"Dead Fantasy": Dead or Alive meets Final Fantasy

As a rule, I typically steer clear of fan-made stuff. No matter what the fandom or whether it's a fanfic, animation, etc., you can usually expect it to be a lame and a complete waste of time. However, every once in a while, you'll find some quality fan-made stuff out there. Monty Oum's Dead Fantasy animation series is a good example. To be honest, I don't really know what to say about it other than it features a bunch of Dead or Alive and Final Fantasy characters (mostly female) duking it out, and it's freaking sweet to watch. In my opinion, the animation and choreography of the fight scenes is really impressive, and each new video gets better and better as more characters are thrown into the fray and the action builds. A sure delight for Dead or Alive and Final Fantasy fans, alike. Be sure to watch in the highest quality possible.

Monty Oum's YouTube page can be found here: Monty Oum's YouTube Chanel

My 10 Favorite Final Fantasy (VII-XIII) Characters

Like so many other gamers out there, the Final Fantasy series holds a special place in my heart. My first Final Fantasy game was IX, which I beat around the time I was ten years old. I was totally mesmerized by it. Until then, no other video game I had played had captured my imagination the way that a book or a movie was capable of. Apart from the story, I found the battle system challenging, but once I was able to master it, no other game could fill me with greater satisfaction. The game's effect on me was almost drug-like. Since then, I have played Final Fantasy VII, VIII, X, X-2, XII, XIII, and Tactics, though I am ashamed to admit that aside from IX, I have only beaten X and X-2--but not because I didn't want to. After I got to the 3rd disc of VII, my game file became "corrupted". Tens of hours into both Tactics and VIII, I got stuck at a boss...While playing XII (around 70 hours or so), our PS2 died, and a month or two ago, a storm completely fried our PlayStation 3 before I got the chance to beat XIII.

WTF, right? Mine is a cursed gamer's fate.

Regardless, there are many things about the Final Fantasy series that make it great, but not the least of which is the characters. Each game has a distinct cast of characters who move the game forward and whose personalities draw you in, so for this post, I have created a list of my top ten favorite characters from the series (of the games I've played, so far). I'd like to think that mine is a diverse list, consisting of badasses, comic reliefs, and old-fashioned heroes, among other character types. So here, I present to you my top 10 Final Fantasy characters...


#10: Red XIII from Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII was an excellent game and an undeniably groundbreaking one for the series. However, it is far from my favorite (I know, crazy, right?). Regardless, the character that stood out the most to me was Red XIII or "Nanaki". Along with his fiery, lion-like fighting abilities, Red XIII possesses a wisdom and intelligence that surpasses that of all the other main characters, contrary to what one might expect. Not to mention, his value of nature and devotion to the planet, which are reminiscent to the Native Americans', is a nice change of pace compared to the rest of the game's grungy/sci-fi cityscape atmosphere.


#9: Balthier from Final Fantasy XII
He's a suave, witty sky pirate--what more could a girl ask for? While the battle system and atmosphere of Final Fantasy XII were purely awe-inspiring, the story line and character development weren't quite as engaging or memorable as other Final Fantasies' and often left me wanting more. The game's humor and emotional intrigue rested almost exclusively on Balthier and his respective partner in crime, Fran, making him my favorite character in the game by far. If you level him up correctly, he's a very useful character in battle, and his amusing one-liners make you want him in your party as much as possible.


#8: Selphie from Final Fantasy VIII
Okay, so I definitely have a thing for the cute, clutzy, but immensely useful girls of the Final Fantasy series. I suppose they're the ones that I usually relate to more than the others, and for the most-part, they're just downright entertaining. Selphie, the nunchaku-wielding mercenary, is a perfect example of such a character. With her short, yellow dress and her goofy, flipped-out hair, she may appear cute and harmless, but she can be a very valuable asset on the battlefield. She also pilots the Ragnarok, the characters' main mode of transportation across the FFVIII world. All things considered, Selphie is a very charming and solid character of the Final Fantasy series.


#7: Sazh from Final Fantasy XIII
With what I believe to be the best voice acting in the series (which isn't saying a WHOLE lot, to be honest), I found Sazh immensely likable as soon as he came onto the screen. Acting as the comic relief of a game that carries the weight of a very serious storyline, Sazh still possesses a fascinating depth to him. Though he does his best to keep a clear, optimistic view of things, we find him caving in from time to time. And with a past like his, who wouldn't feel a little hopeless every once in a while? As a multi-purpose, pistol-toting Ravager, Sazh is a frequent member of my battle party. Also, have you seen that baby chocobo he stowes away in his afro?! It's adorable!


#6: Kuja from Final Fantasy IX
In general, I have a hard time fully appreciating Final Fantasy villains. Kuja, however, is nothing short of an evil bastard, and yet I couldn't help but feel sorry for him (yeah, that's a guy). I can't say that for any other FF baddie that I've gotten familiar with, so far. What I find so interesting about Kuja is that in the end, he doesn't have much of a motive driving him, just raw emotion. Fear, to be exact--the fear of death. Created to be an Angel of Death himself--and a prototype, at that--Kuja is robbed of any sort of real, meaningful life and falls to pieces at the discovery of his own immortality. It is this violent despair that is meant to incite a strong dislike for him, while at the same time, undeniable pity. Aside from all that, he's one BAMF to have to fight against, but damn, do you feel good once you beat him (for the last time)!


#5: Auron from Final Fantasy X
Unlike so many of the other acknowledged badasses of the Final Fantasy series, Auron stands out in that he doesn't carry all that moody baggage sort of crap. Yeah, he's had a tough past, but even in death, he's true to his cause in that awesome, no-nonsense sort of way. And yet, he's far from two-dimensional. Quite the contrary, I think. Rather than fighting and acting tough to cover up his emo tears, he is the way he is because he has a purpose, and I like that in my characters. As far as battles go, Auron is an incredibly awesome tank character, boasting the highest HP, defense, and attack stats. He's essential for nearly every boss battle throughout the game, and if you can find a way to buff his weaker attributes (through friend spheres, equipment, etc.), you'll find yourself with an extremely powerful character.


#4: Freya from Final Fantasy IX
Freya is a very unique Final Fantasy character in my eyes. She's tough in a practical, compassionate sort of way...but make no mistake, she's really tough. I can't tell you how many times most, if not all of my other characters on the field were KO'd and I very narrowly avoided defeat by using her "Jump" move. Aside from her powerful physical attacks with her Dragoon lance, Freya has a number of white magic abilities that come in plenty useful as well. As a female character, I found her strong personality--burdened by a tragic romance of the past--really refreshing alongside her serious attitude. Definitely an interesting touch to Final Fantasy IX's fantastical, old-school setting.


#3: Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII
As Final Fantasy's first official female lead character, Lightning does not disappoint. Nomura has been quoted a number of times saying that he wanted to essentially create a female version of Cloud when he came up with her, but quite frankly, I think she's less of a little bitch than Cloud. While she has plenty to be emotional about, Lightning is ultimately a soldier in the truest sense who takes matters into her own hands when the occasion calls for it. Though she tends to fight first and ask questions later, Lightning is far from heartless, but she doesn't let that get in the way of staying strong. A very fun character to play during battles, Lightning excels as a Commando and Ravager, dealing a mesmerizing combination of physical and magical damage with her gunblade (okay, it might sound stupid, but that thing is f*#&@ing sweet). She is also a decent Medic when things start to get ugly. Her remarkable physical prowess on the field is super fun to watch, if nothing else.


#2: Zidane from Final Fantasy IX
Okay, so you may have figured out by now that I really like Final Fantasy IX--especially the characters. Zidane is no exception. In fact, he's the prime example. A very close runner-up to my most favorite Final Fantasy character, I love everything about Zidane, from his personality to his fighting style. He's a charming and mischievous womanizer but that doesn't stop him from being a genuine hero with a heart of gold. As a thief, Zidane relies on his speed and daggers in battle, along with a number of valuable abilities such as Scan. Though his perseverance and courage are something to behold, even Zidane has his moments of self-doubt, but that makes him all the more captivating as a character in a game that achieves its greatness primarily through character development.

And, finally...


#1: Rikku from Final Fantasy X
What can I say? I absolutely love her and I knew that I did the very first moment that I realized she would be joining the battle team. An adorable and feisty blonde who has a way with machines, Rikku packs a powerful punch in the form of any number of explosives. A sort of jack-of-all-trades character in battle, it nearly breaks my heart to hear people say that they've played FFX but never used Rikku, so long as they didn't have to. In my experience, once you've acquired enough items for her to use, Rikku is just as valuable in battle as Auron--and that's pretty darn valuable. Her thief abilities allow her to steal items from enemies which she can then use later to deal damage, inflict status ailments upon enemies, restore HP/MP, or bestow buffs on her teammates. When her Overdrive gauge fills up, she can mix items together to create an even more powerful effect. Rikku treats her tragedies as learning experiences and tries to maintain a perky and sincere attitude throughout the game. She is incredibly determined and loyal to the rest of her party, and has nothing but good intentions. While she was herself enough in X-2, I felt that like a lot of other things in the game, she lost a considerable amount of her charm. The original Rikku will always be the one most dear to me.


Honorable mentions include: Irvine from Final Fantasy VIII, Fran and Basch from Final Fantasy XII, Yuna from Final Fantasy X, and Beatrix from Final Fantasy IX. I would love to hear who some of your favorite Final Fantasy characters are, so please feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading.

Images were found in several different places around the web and are (presumably) the property of Square Enix.