TGS 2008: Running the cosplay gauntlet
By
Randolph Ramsay, Site Manager, GameSpot APAC
We check out the dozens of cosplayers holding court in between halls three and four of the Tokyo Game Show.
;)
TOKYO--Each year, the main attraction at the Tokyo Game Show are the dozens of big-name games on the Makuhari Messe show floor. Another major draw, though, are the hundreds of cosplayers who turn up to literally make a spectacle of themselves. This year was certainly no exception, with costumed throngs taking over the large corridor separating halls three and four of the convention centre. In their ware were thousands of onlookers who waited patiently in line to take snapshots of the most elaborate costumes.
;)
Many of the cosplayers GameSpot spoke to on the first public day of TGS 2008 had been dressing up as video game characters for years. Omi (pictured top) says she's been cosplaying for 11 years. Today, she chose to dress as Faith from the forthcoming Electronic Arts and DICE's action-platformer Mirror's Edge. She said the big draw was the character's impressive parkour-inspired abilities, which Omi said represent "everything I want to be."
;)
Standing alongside Omi was Suga Fuyuki (pictured second), who came as Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Asked why he chose that particular-era Snake to come as, Fuyuki--who has been cosplaying for four years--says it was because MGS3 was his favourite game of the series.
;)
Miku Oyanagi (third) is another long-time video game character costume enthusiast, having indulged in cosplay for the last decade. However, this year is the first time she's dressed up as Morrigan from Darkstalkers because Chun Li from Street Fighter is her usual favourite.
;)
Indeed, the cosplayers at this year's TGS ran the gamut of games and genres. Characters from the various Square role-playing games dominated, but we also spotted a convincing-looking Ash from Pokemon in the mix (fourth).
;)
Street Fighter characters have always been popular for TGS cosplayers. One svelte would-be Cammy (fifth) was a particular hit, with dozens of photographers fighting for space around her.
Cammy wasn't the only Street Fighter to make an appearance. One large fellow made for an extremely convincing E Honda (second from bottom), unafraid to bare almost all on a chilly day outside the Messe.
;)
Though cosplayers are obviously vying for attention, it doesn't seem to be a solo hobby, with many coming with groups of friends in costumes. One perfect example was a group of young Japanese (bottom) who arrived dressed as many of the cast members from the various Phoenix Wright games.
By
Randolph Ramsay, Site Manager, GameSpot APAC
Randolph Ramsay loves games in the same way monkeys love bananas. Sure, they can live without it, but what's the point? He also loves fighting games, but never plays online in case people notice just how bad he is at them.
106 comments
If there was hot video game character of the year Faith from Mirror's edge would be it
Well I can honestly say I don't understand cosplay, but then again most people don't understand me, so who am I to judge. I've known lots of cosplayers. Do what makes you happy.
it's weird to see Street Fighter 2 characters still being popular, that was like my favorite game over 15 years ago
Well, I hope she reminds you of the girl in Mirror's Edge..that's what she's dressed up as.
so i've never played a phoenix game, but the guy on the right doesn't look like he's trying too hard.
people saying these guys are nerds for cosplaying...you're on a video game site giving opinions that barely anyone will read or care about by blogging and rating games etc.
I would have liked to have seen some of the SMT (or spin-off) cosplayers, or some of the SW/DW ones. Those ones are great.
i can agree i dont know why they put down "Solid" Snake when at the time BigBoss codename was just Snake
I think Danté may have been speaking of TGS - "No Use for hope when you enter this place" - On the other hand the E Honda is really good. p.s. it's oxfords' translation so don't get your knickers in a twist.
disturbing indeed ... i hope they had some major freetime and arent just total geeks .. i consider myself a geek for programming and doing 3d modeling.. i dont want to be in the same category as people who dress up like this at game shows!
That E.Honda is awesome, one of the few fat characters fat people can get away with doing.
"Standing alongside Omi was Suga Fuyuki (pictured second), who came as Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Asked why he chose that particular-era Snake to come as, Fuyuki--who has been cosplaying for four years--says it was because MGS 3 was his favourite game of the series." Yeah they got that wrong. And I really thought this was a good update for MGS3. Pfft.
How can some of you guys say losers? ANd yet be on a game site commenting about "no Life".........Um they are out doing something , your at a computer! Who has a life? O and I would totally do it if I could go, its like non stop halloween!
Solid Snake WAS NOT IN MGS3. That is Big Boss. There is a huge difference Gamespot. As usual, you never check your facts, instead just post it. Also the people who have to dress up to be video game characters, Star Wars characters and whatever else. Do me and the rest of the world a HUGE FAVOUR. SEEK HELP.
E honda looks awsome, but if i ever did cosplay i would be jecht fromm ff10 that would be the most bad a** costume or dante!
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