[We at 2D-X aren't just smitten with video games; we also love the entire culture that surrounds our carts, discs, and downloads. As such, we're taking the deeper dive by interviewing the people that help create and expand the culture we love. If you're a cosplayer, chiptunes composer, indie developer, or any other unique game culture creator, contact us--you could be featured here.
We kick things off with Alyssa, who rocked New York Comic Con with her killer Mileena cosplay. The FIT graduate (with a magna cum laude honor and Nickelodeon online games internship under her belt) sat down to speak with 2D-X about video games and video game cosplay.]
Why did you decide to go with Mileena instead of Kitana, Samus Aran, Chun Li, or any other high-profile female video game character?
I chose Mileena because she already resembled me. Not too many people dress as her either. She is a vicious villain as I am when crossed. She also has a lot of sex appeal even though she has imperfections, like me. She is a man-eater, literally, and will chew your head off and spit you out. I think that’s pretty neat.
How did you acquire your costume? Did you purchase it or make it yourself?
In my closet was a pink shirt and black tube top. Since I’m a poor college student, I took the two shirts, cut it up, and hand-sewed it at midnight. The gold jewel was taken apart from a ring and the bottom is from Vicky’s Secret.
Was there any trepidation on your part in regards to wearing a relatively revealing outfit at a presumably male-heavy convention?
No, there was no hesitation. Didn’t even think of the people that would attend. What mattered was getting the character right.
Have you ever cosplayed as another video game character?
This is my first but definitely not my last! Any suggestions on who I should dress as next?
Allow me to suggest Shiki from Samurai Shodown. Blades, sex appeal, and attitude, much like Mileena. We named her one of the most bad ass females in video games.
Oh, sexy! I like! Time will tell my next move.
What are you playing right now? Were you one of the brave that stood in-line for Grand Turismo 5 or Black Ops?
The only thing I stood in line for was the Wii. Currently playing every Nickelodeon online game since I intern there now.
How long have you been gaming?
I grew up with gaming, but am more a viewer than gamer. Use to love watching my dad and older sister play Zelda, Punch Out, Super Mario, and of course Mortal Kombat.
Do you plan to attend other nerd conventions such as PAX East or Dragon Con?
I’d love to attend any fun conventions but don’t know what’s out there and when they are.
We’ll keep you up to speed. But you mentioned that you’ve had a gig at Nick and played many of their online games. Which were some of your favorites? And do you see yourself obtaining a role in the gaming business?
There were many fun Nick games but some of my favorite Super Brawl, Creepy Candy Craze, and some of the old clickamajigs. As for the gaming business, I don’t know. I don’t really know where the road will take me but will definitely keep dressing up as different video game characters.
[We thank Alyssa for taking time for contributing to our hobby. If you'd like to be featured for your unique gaming-related talent, please drop us a line.]
Founder and Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey L. Wilson’s love of all things shiny/digital has lead to jobs penning gadget- and video game-related nerd-copy for E-Gear, Laptop, LifeStyler, Parenting, PC Magazine, Sync, Wise Bread, and WWE. Besides overseeing the editorial content at 2D-X.com, the Brooklyn College grad hosts New York City’s monthly Bits and Bytes video game media and public relations meetup. You can find him at a bar sampling foreign beers, or on Twitter doing twittery things.
