The Best Cosplay From Tokyo Game Show 2018

Press and other industry types get to explore Tokyo Game Show in advance before the doors open to the public on the weekend, yet there's a good excuse to brave the crowds on Saturday morning even if you've played everything on your list: the cosplay stage at the edge of the convention center. It's then and there that a wave of cosplayers turn up to represent their favorite characters from games and beyond, and it's always impressive to see who turns up.

This year was no different, and it was awesome to see such a strong turnout despite the unfavorable heat and humidity. We've collected a bunch of our favorite appearances from the event, and when possible, given credit and provided links so you can find out more about past and future appearances from specific cosplayers.

First up is a trio of cosplayers representing Persona 4. From left to right, we've got Naoto Shirogane (Twitter: @cha_cofee), Chie Satonaka (Twitter: @libra_hope), and Yukiko Amagi (Twitter: @y_kanata5).

When you're done checking out these photos, take a chance to make sure you're all caught up on the new trailers for some of the biggest games at TGS. Capcom has new videos for both Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry 5. We got the chance to play new demos for both games, and though our RE2 coverage will hit down the road, we've got a pair of videos on DMC5 ready to roll. Take a look at 20 minutes of S-Rank gameplay, and then hear our thoughts on Nero's new Devil Breaker system (and the latest iteration of the original silver-haired demon hunter, Dante).

Square Enix took the opportunity to show off new Kingdom Hearts III gameplay as well, this time focused on Big Hero 6's setting, San Fransokyo, but there are plenty of quicker glimpses within at locales from Frozen, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Monsters Inc. to enjoy as well.

The big surprise was a new Death Stranding trailer. During a presentation by Hideo Kojima on the show floor, he also showed off a mysterious new character voiced by none other than Troy Baker. As with every Death Stranding reveal, we are given cool stuff to look at with the least amount of context possible. It's weird, intriguing, and yet another piece of the messy puzzle that is Death Stranding's protracted marketing.

Next up is Breath of the Wild's Zelda, played by Kasei Cosplay (Facebook: @KaseiCosplay).

Now here's one you don't see that often! It's rad to spot Final Fantasy IV's Kain Highwind getting some love at TGS.

Hey kids, important message from The Hunter from Bloodborne: No smoking, OK? It's bad for cosplayers and bad for your health.

It's the fifth photo, so it's naturally got to feature Space Channel 5's reporter-meets-performer, Ulala.

Faust, the disgraced doctor from the Guilty Gear series, is NOT to be upstaged.

Chun-Li was out enforcing the #1 rule at these events: always ask permission before you take photos!

Watch your back or you might get splattered by Splatoon's Inkling Girl!

Snake! Watch out! Ocelot is flanking you from two separate timelines!

Cayde-6 also made an appearance in Tokyo, with his favorite chicken, Colonel, in tow.

It's not a video game character, but this sharp take on Blood Stalk from the live-action Kamen Rider Build show was too good to pass up.

A dashing trio of characters from Nier Automata.

With Kingdom Hearts making a big splash on the show floor, it's no wonder that Sora and Riku made an appearance outside, too.

We spotted Snake again, and what do you know, Ocelot's nowhere to be found. Never underestimate the power of CQC.

We didn't see a whole lot of Dragon Quest cosplay, but that's perhaps because this group was so good that no one else dared to be compared. The second character from the left is Alena from Dragon Quest 4, but everyone else is from Dragon Quest 11, including Jade on the far right in the Warrior Princess costume--a special set of gear that can only be acquired through crafting.

It was good of Prompto and Noctis to take a break from their never-ending road trip to make an appearance at TGS this year, and they are kicking off a series of costumes from the Final Fantasy series--be sure to stick around to the final slide for a gathering of every Final Fantasy cosplayer at TGS.

This pair of cosplayers are perfectly suited for their roles as Yuna and Tidus from Final Fantasy X.

Midgar's favorite couple, Cloud and Aerith, staring dramatically.

Tifa was also on hand to help lighten the mood a little...

And then Sephiroth appeared, to remind everyone who the real star of Final Fantasy VII is. Better to play along, lest he summons "mother."

And last but not least, here's every Final Fantasy character represented at TGS. A special shout out goes to the Marlboro in the middle and Kimahri in the back!