First official Live Video Chat this Saturday @ 5:30pm PST!

Chat will be done via Google+ Hangout with an additional live stream via Youtube. So be sure to add me on Google+ if you want to use video and voice chat with me (otherwise you’ll have to ask your questions via comments)

Come join me for a live video chat on Google+ Hangout this Saturday!  I’ll be answering your questions about cosplay, games, comics… actually pretty much anything you want to ask.  Bring your drinks, questions and awesome self for an evening of laughs and full geekery.  Think of it as a con party and panel rolled into one. Hope to see you there and be sure to bring your friends! <3

Event details: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/113632284302949656511/events/c2aqhbida1qjcsmgaer88ljhmco

Add me on Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/113632284302949656511/113632284302949656511/posts

I’m excited to announce that Miccostumes.com has been generous enough to sponsor me with one of their costumes! They will be sending me this stunning Miku outfit. Isn’t it pretty? I’ve always wanted to do a Vocaloid, but never had the chance or time to make one, but thanks to MicCostumes I now can cross of Vocaloid off my list. Can’t wait to get and tell you guys all about it. ♥

Updated the site with my newest costume, Aela the Huntress from Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.  More photos to come so keep checking back here or on my Facebook!

*NEW COSTUME!*

Earlier this week I randomly decided to give Google+ Hangout a try.  I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a live stream video chat and thought I would give Hangout whirl.  To my surprise it was it great success and a ton of fun!  I’ll be announcing another one for next week soon so keep your eyes peeled for info on that.  Stop by so we can live chat about cosplay, comics, games, anime you name it! You never know where the conversation will lead.  Hell maybe I’ll even though on a costume. ;0  In the mean time you can watch the last Hangout below.  Took a while to get started but we talk about cosplay and video games for a good chunk of the session.

*MORE UPDATES*

After neglecting it for years, I finally got around to updating my Publications page.  There are some really great interviews that were added that I would highly recommend you check out!  For starters here’s an interview done by Cosplay in America at SDCC 2012.

Finally, I moved my print sales over to Windofthestars.Storenvy.com  I added new prints and lowered the prices. Please be sure to check it out, like the photo or maybe get one.  They are pretty snazzy I assure you!  All proceeds always go right back into future costume projects or towards to conventions so I can come see you!  Thanks guys! <3 <3

XOXO,
Mel

Did some few tweaks to the site, such as updated my about page and booking information.  Also rearranged the links at top so it’s a little more streamlined than it was before.  Hope this makes it a little easier to browse now.

*NEW COSTUME ADDED*

*PRINT SALE GOING ON NOW!*

Prints are back by demand with several new images to choose from.
Click the image above to get yours or get them at:
Windofthestars.etsy.com

]]> http://windofthestars.com/blog/new-costume-added-maya/feed/ 0 http://windofthestars.com/blog/new-photos-added/ http://windofthestars.com/blog/new-photos-added/#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:22:29 +0000 WindoftheStars http://windofthestars.com/blog/?p=2137 Hey there!

Working hard to get this site up to date.  Added a bunch of new photos from shoots I did this year.  Click on the image to see the new photos.

*NEW PHOTOS*

Next up I’ll be added my new costumee, Maya from Borderlands 2, plus updating the sadly outdated publications page.

XOXO,

Mel

I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt compelled this time around with the new Devil May Cry reboot.  Hope you don’t mind ENJOY my ramblings.

The new Devil May Cry has come out, and I’m sure any fan of the DMC series, had serious doubts on what this reboot would do to the story, characters and gameplay that we all love so much.  Don’t get me wrong, the DMC title has had its ups and downs in making good games.  I think it’s safe to say we were all sucked in by DMC 1, loved DMC 3, tolerate DMC 4, and shudder and try to forget DMC 2.  For a while all we had to go on was the new look of beloved demon hunter, and I hate to say, my expectations were way low for this reboot.  Like somewhere between DMC2 and DMC4 (closer to 2).  Luckily at SDCC this last year I got to play a level (mission 4 I believe) and it renewed my faith.  In the 10min or so that I got to play, the look, style and game play of the game left me wanting more.  Oh Dante you tease.  It felt like a DMC game. So, I pre-ordered my copy and played it this weekend.

To sum up this review in one line: FUCK YES!

To sum up this review in more than one line:

This game delivers.  The gameplay, the story, the art, the voice acting, the characters, everything went well above and beyond what I ever expected it to be.

GAMEPLAY

All DMC titles are famous for the vast assortment of different weapons you get through out the game.  Each lead to new exciting combos to try to get that SSS rank.  You are able to switch between all the weapons easily on the fly with no lag or glitching while doing so.  Every move and weapon flow very well into each other to get some great flashy combos.  This game also stresses more arial moves and makes it easier to do so than in previous titles have.  While it takes a while to get use to controls in fast pace moments, if you get it down you’ll love every minute.  What I loved, is that they included almost all of Dante’s signature moves, even if you do them a little different this time around.  You still have the Stinger, Drive, double jump, air hike and the like in his move set pretty early on in the game.  Some of the other weapons you get in the game and their moves are pretty reminiscent of weapons past.  The only let down in game play for me is the Devil Trigger.  While it is just as powerful as before, I feel that it’s harder to fill up your gage and it drains a lot faster.  Also the fact that the enemies are launched and suspended in the air during devil trigger, which requires you to grab them and pull them to you or you pull yourself to them, makes using Devil Trigger not as fluid and useful as in the past. The bosses in this game are just like in previous DMC titles, big and are broken down in stages.  Pretty much except similar style boss fights that require you to use certain weapons at certain points to defeat them.  The one element in game play that I found almost missing entirely are the puzzles/ “find-this-item-and-stick-it-in-the-slot” parts.  I recall only one real puzzle in the whole game and that was almost at the end.  Not that I mind, the puzzles were always pretty annoying anyhow!

STORY

***Small spoilers a head***

With out giving too many spoilers, I’ll say the story closely follows that of DMC1 & 3.  More so 3 than anything else.  Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not a direct re-telling of the Sons of Sparda tale as seen in the other games.  The do change a few things here and there.  For instance Eva is now an Angel instead of human and you work with Vergil instead of against him.  But the root of the Sons of Sparda tale is still very much there and intact.

***End of Story spoilers***

CHARACTERS

 Much like the story, all the important players are there, Dante, Vergil, Sparda, Eva, Mundus, plus a few new small additions.  The supporting female, Kat, this time around isn’t as in-your-face-badass in comparison to Trish and Lady.  Kat though is useful and strong in her own way, even if she is wielding a spray can instead of a bazooka.  I have to say that they nailed Dante perfectly.  He might be even a little better, but maybe that’s just because I was highly amused by the over use of the word “fuck” and “shit” by him and everyone else in this game.  I don’t think I have ever hear fuck used this much in game (which was fine by me!)  But, seriously, the banter and one liners in this game are hilarious and are not super cheesy like in previous titles (though I have to argue that was part of Dante’s and DMC’s charm to extent).  Dante is just as cocky and fierce as ever, and of course just as sexy as ever too.  I’m not going to say too much about Vergil, but I’ll just say, you’ll be pleased and slightly surprised.  I also want to say that the voice acting in this is superb and think that’s what makes the script so enjoyable without it being too fake.  When you play it you’ll understand more of what I’m referencing.

ARTWORK/STYLE

DMC has always a mix of gothic and horror to me.  This new title has that, but they take it in a slightly new direction.  They make Limbo disorientating and a little unnerving.  It’s chaos in every sense of the word.  However, the contrasts in this game are amazing and played on much more than the previous titles.  They really worked the sense duality between heaven and hell through out all aspects of the game.  I loved the work they did to make each level very different than the last.  Which is nice considering the environments in DMC all started to look alike by the end (or even worse pull a DMC4 turnaround and play through all the levels again for the last half of the game!)  All the environments have a different feel and look.  I especially loved the look of Lilith’s nightclub and it was so different than anything else seen in any DMC game, but it worked and it was visually stunning.  Also the 2D art in this game is very captivating.  Crossing the lines between popart, graffiti art, and religious renaissance to make some visually stunning pieces.  I’ll just say I want the art book for this game.  Other things of note, all of the items and even menu are very reminiscent of the other DMCs.  I was surprised how similar it was, but just with a new facelift.

Lastly…

DANTE’S HAIR: My loves, don’t fret.  You will be satisfied.

TLDR;

DmC: Devil May Cry is fucking awesome.  Fans of the series will not be disappointed by this re-boot.  Game follows the Sons of Sparda/Mundus tale, plus there are lots of references and inside jokes pertaining to the old DMC games.  If you are a big DMC fan like me, I would wager you will be pretty happy with the direction this game has gone.  Play it.  It’s fun and I’m sure you all will enjoy it.

P.S. AND YES I’LL BE DOING A KAY COSPLAY THIS YEAR. GAURD YOUR STREETS FROM MY SPELL-IN-SPRAY-CAN! XD

I’ve been sorrowfully neglecting my site with new content, and I do apologize!  I do have a few new costumes, photos and press things to update with.  While I’m on sort of a break before I start diving into the craziness of making Fanime costumes, I thought it would a great time to update this place.  I’ve had lots of new things to post, and I have posted on other sites like Facebook, I haven’t had the chance to post it here.

The later half of this year I finally took the plunge into Steampunk costuming.  Been on the fence about for years, but I’m so happy that I had friends to finally push me into making some outfits.  I really love the creative freedom that you have in doing steampunk.  Plus it’s totally okay to reuse pieces in new outfits, which makes it so much easier to create new ensembles.  I’ve also been wanting to make some more original designs recently and this has allowed me to do that.  I still have a bunch of stuff rattling around in my head and sketch book that I would like to make though.  Oh maybe one day.  Below are the three new Steampunk costumes I made, just click the photo to see construction notes and more photos.

 I’m super excited for 2013 cosplays!!  Got lots of exciting stuff planned.  And of course more Borderlands costumes and photos than you can shake your gun at.  *COUGH*MAYA COSTUME TO BE ADDED NEXT *COUGH*

As always, thanks for all your love and support!

XOXO,
Mel