Youmacon 2014

Youmacon 2014

We apologize for the delay in getting these videos out, but the Youmacon 2014 videos have finally arrived.

IXI Studios Update

IXI Studios Update

Once again, we would like to apologize for the lack of updates in the last few months aside from our CastRanger podcast. There are a number of changes going on behind the scenes here at IXI Studios, that I cannot get into right now, that are taking a bit of time. As well, I just recently moved, and am currently without internet at my new place, so that just sort of compounds the issue. Once things settle down, I will be putting together a news update video to explain the new changes, and everything will be explained. We will have things up and running again in due time, and good things are on the horizon past this little hump. Look forward to it! I know I am. ~ChouRaven~

News Update

News Update

Hey guys, we apologize for the sparse updates the last few weeks, but big things are going on behind the scenes at IXI Studios that will be announced in the coming weeks. There will be a video news update soon, so keep watching.

I'll Show YOU Icing!

I'll Show YOU Icing!

Sorry for the late update, but the conclusion of the hockey game is here. Watch as Raven and Chuck finish their match in NHL 2015.

The Toronto Make-me-Laughs

The Toronto Make-me-Laughs

Today, we bring the first of a two part Maelstrom Vs, where Chuck and Raven face off in EA Sports' NHL 2015. In this episode, they select their teams and get the game underway.

Good at This (Not!)

Good at This (Not!)

For the final video of our 5 update week, we conclude our Test Drive of Hyrule Warriors. ChouRaven continues his turn at the controls, and wraps up the level before the whole cast gives their opinions.

If It Were That Easy, You'd Have Done It Already

If It Were That Easy, You'd Have Done It Already

The Test Drive of Hyrule Warriors continues today, as ChouRaven takes the controls, and somehow manages to do worse than Ichida despite having plenty of experience with Dynasty Warriors games.

What a Waste of a Bomb

What a Waste of a Bomb

Today we continue our Test Drive of Hyrule Warriors with Part 2, as Ichida continues his turn.

It's Idiot Proof

It's Idiot Proof

For the second update of our five update week, we bring you the first episode of a new Test Drive series! This time, Raven, Ichida, Ransack, and Chuck sit down to try out the new Legend of Zelda game, Hyrule Warriors. Ichida, a newcomer to Dynasty Warriors games, starts us off as he cuts a swathe of destruction across Hyrule Field.

Out of Freaking Nowhere

Out of Freaking Nowhere

Hello guys, we have something special for you for the rest of the week. There will be 5 video updates this week, one per day! The real fun starts tomorrow, but for now we bring you the conclusion of our Munchkin videos. In this final episode, now that everyone has wasted all their good cards to prevent Raven from winning, who will be victorious?

Raven's Reckoning

Raven's Reckoning

Today we bring you the penultimate episode of our Munchkin game! In this episode, Cell Saga enacts his revenge on Raven, who has to use everything at his disposal to avoid losing everything he's gained. Cards, power-ups, and arguments about card rulings abound in this episode. You have to see this one!

Double Elf Power!

Double Elf Power!

For today's update, it's the next episode of our Munchkin game! In this episode, the points are getting high, the stakes are high as well, and Cell Saga runs into some serious interference, with dire consequences. We also get a glimpse of the chaos that comes from having two elves in the group.

A Bad Week to be Plastic Furniture

A Bad Week to be Plastic Furniture

Our newest episode of our Podcast, Radio Sentai CastRanger, is out. In this episode, we discuss Kamen Rider Gaim 45 and Ressha Sentai ToQger 28, as well as talking about each of our favourite series of Power Rangers. Check it out at the link below:

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/bad-week-to-be-plastic-furniture/ 

Made With Real Cod

Made With Real Cod

Hey guys, with all of our Fan Expo 2014 content out, we now return to our Munchkin videos. In this episode, Raven finally solves his level loss problem, and Zelig finds himself in possession of a rather "fishy" item.

Name That Tune

Name That Tune

For today's update, we bring you the last of the Fan Expo 2014 videos, the anime game shows! We returned to Fan Expo this year to run Anime Name That Tune, and Anime Win, Lose, or Draw as we have the last several years. Check out the fun!

Dude, Where's My Concert?

Dude, Where's My Concert?

For today's update, we bring you some live music, or at very least, recordings of live music. The concerts from Super Audio World 2 at ConBravo 2014 are finally up, delayed because the files had been corrupted somehow. We have managed to fix the issue though, and so here it is! Enjoy!

[IXI! Digest] Convention of Cosplay - Web Edition 09

[IXI! Digest] Convention of Cosplay - Web Edition 09

Hello, my name is Dee DL and I am with Convention of Cosplay, and I am with Rob (Roxy Darknight) today. I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to be interviewed, Rob, especially so soon after the Niagara Falls Comic Con.

Rob: My pleasure, very excited to do this with you.

Dee: I really appreciate it, Rob. It's great to have the chance to ask you a few questions about your cosplay experiences. To start things off, how long have you been cosplaying and what was your inspiration to start?

Rob: I have been cosplaying for just under two years now. My inspiration was my love for comics, movies, and video games and my love of dressup. I am known to close friends as a human dress up doll.

Dee: That's fantastic to have been able to get involved with cosplay. I have seen you at various events already and I wanted to ask if you could share with us some of the cosplays you have done since you started? Which one of those would be a favourite of yours?

Rob: I have done ones such as Poison from Street Fighter, which was my first ever Cosplay. Also ones such as Princess Leia, Harley Quinn, Mystique, Sailor Moon both full version and bikini style, The Joker and The Wicked witch to name a few. I have a hard time picking a favourite, mainly because lately I keep out doing myself. The Wicked Witch is up there in the top, and Alice in Wonderland.

Dee: What methods do you use and / or what decisions do you make when it comes to selecting and putting together a cosplay?

Rob: First thing is it has to be a character I like. If it's someone I think looks cool, I check the show out and backstory. Also make sure I can pull them off and find a style that will suit me. Also make sure I can do the makeup or find someone to hire to help.

Dee: That's fantastic! So if I may be able to ask a few opinion questions...

Rob: I would love that!

Dee: So, despite how much the cosplay community is growing, there is still a lot of negativity surrounding cosplay. So what I would like to ask is: What does cosplay mean to you?

Rob: Cosplay to me means exactly what the name implies. Costume Play. Like, what's better than dressing up as your favourite character and fooling around with your friends? Nothing!

Dee: What do you like and / or dislike about cosplaying?

Rob: I love the Family aspect of it. There is a big group of us that stay pretty connected. We help each other out and compliment on the works we create. I dislike the bullying aspect, because we are here to have fun. It shouldn't matter who we dress as, how we look and how much time or money we put into a costume. As long as we are having fun, who cares? or who should care is the real question! It saddens me that prople still feel the need to put others down. We are all fans, that's what drew us here. Doesn't matter what the fandom is.

Dee: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on cosplay. So, what advice would you give to someone who wants to go into cosplay but isn't sure on how to start?

Rob: Start where you're comfortable. Pick someone from something you love. Don't be afraid to ask friends and/or family for help. It doesn't have to be huge and elaborate. I once saw a guy wear a cardboard box with the word Gundam on it. Easy, but also super clever. Doesn't matter it was a cardboard box, he was having fun. Also, don't think you can't cosplay someone just because you think you don't look like them. Do it anyway!!!

Dee: So knowing what you know now from your experiences with cosplay, what would you like to see for the future of it?

Rob: I would love to see everyone getting along and appreciating everyone's effort. Also more amazing costumes.

Dee: So just a couple last questions. If you could cosplay anywhere in the world (or at any convention specifically), where would it be and which cosplay(s) would you take?

Rob: I would love to at least once say I went to SDCC. Also I've been talking about Wizard World New Orleans because I just wanna see the city. I would also love to Cosplay in Japan. Not that I'm a huge Anime fan but to see where cosplay all began would be epic to join in. On which costumes to take? Definately a variation of Harley Quinn, Dr. Manhattan to show my love of body paint, and I'm not sure on a third. Definately something epically awesome to me. Maybe Cruella DeVille?

Dee: I think that would be a very exciting and wonderful experience. Hopefully you will be able to attend those conventions some day.

Rob: If I set my mind to it, I'm sure I can accomplish it. All in good time!!

Dee: So finally, I wanted to end by asking you what your most memorable and positive experience so far as a cosplayer. Any particular event that stands out, meeting a guest or fellow cosplayer or experience?

Rob: My first event will always be memorable because of how nervous I was doing something that huge as a Transgendered character. The artists in artist alley made me feel really comfortable quick. Also at many cons I have young men approach me saying what I do inspires them. Some women too. They always ask for my advice on "crossplaying" and if they should. My response is "do you love the character?". When they say "yes", I respond with "just do it". Somewhere down the line we become role models without trying to be or realizing it. Those events really stand out to me. Scaring Sean Patrick Flannery was kinda thrilling too.

Dee: Rob, I wanted to thank you so much for sharing you experiences and taking part in this interview today. I can't wait to see your upcoming cosplays and see you again and the next convention. If you could leave us with a favourite quote, that would be amazing!

Rob: Thank you for having me do this. And since this is cosplay related, I will leave a quote I live by for my costumes. -"Don't get strung out by the way I look. Don't judge a book by its cover. I'm not much of a man by the light of day. But by night I'm one hell of a lover".

Fan Expo 2014

Fan Expo 2014

Sorry for making the update so late in the day, but the remaining Fan Expo 2014 videos are now live! As well as the Nathan Fillion, and Walking Dead Q&As that we already put up, we also have Edward James Olmos from Battlestar Gallactica, Ray Park from Star Wars, Vic Mignogna, Ryo Horikawa, Steve Blum, and the cast of Dragon Ball Z! Go and check them out!

Mai Fruit

Mai Fruit

The newest episode of our Tokusatsu podcast, Radio Sentai CastRanger, has arrived. In this episode, we discuss episodes 42 & 43 of Kamen Rider Gaim, and 25 & 26 of Ressha Sentai ToQger, and a lot of stuff has gone down in those episodes. We discuss the final brilliance of Sengoku Ryoma, the unholy awesomeness of Ryugen-Yomi Yomotsu Heguri Arms, and we finally have an answer to what "Not-Mai" / The Priestess of Fate really is. Meanwhile on the other side of the tracks, IMAGINAAAATION goes wild, then we get a stupidly awesome Akira-focused episode featuring a bathhouse. Check it out at the link below:

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/mai-fruit/ 

Q&A With the Cast of The Walking Dead

Q&A With the Cast of The Walking Dead

For today's update, we bring you two more videos from Fan Expo 2014, the Q&A panel with the cast of The Walking Dead.

Also, as a bonus, we also bring you one more video that may interest fans of The Legend of Zelda series. Our very own Ransack tests out the Hyrule Warriors demo at Fan Expo 2014.

Q&A With Nathan Fillion

Q&A With Nathan Fillion

For this week's Wednesday update, by popular demand, we bring you the first of the Convention Hopper videos from Fan Expo 2014, the Nathan Fillion Q&A from the Saturday morning. The rest of the videos will be up later this week, including Ryo Horikawa, the cast of The Walking Dead, and Edward James Olmos just to name a few. Enjoy!

I Refuse!

I Refuse!

Apologies for missing our usual Friday update last week. Due to Fan Expo 2014, we did not have access to a stable internet connection to get it uploaded. To make up for it, we will be having a 3 update week, starting with Part 5 of our Munchkin videos. In this episode, Raven and Arcadia narrowly escape destruction at the hands of a dragon they summoned themselves, and Raven continues to lose levels.

Also, Fan Expo videos will be up later this week, so look forward to them.

Cue Epic Sneaking Music

Cue Epic Sneaking Music

We apologize for the lack of an update on Friday, but we have been a bit busy preparing for this weekend. That's right, IXI Studios will be making the usual appearance at Fan Expo this year, running the Anime Game Shows and J-Pop Dance. Before we get to that however, here's today's video update.

Today, the crew continues their game of Munchkin, with Zelig consistently getting screwed by higher level monsters, and Raven just can't seem to keep any of his levels.

Donguri Nut Shot

Donguri Nut Shot

The newest episode of Radio Sentai CastRanger is here, and it's quite possibly our longest and greatest episode to date. This time, we talk about Kamen Rider Gaim 41, Ressha Sentai ToQger 24, and the Heisei Rider vs. Showa Rider movie.

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/donguri-sparking-aka-nut-shot/ 

Litrid Takes on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Litrid Takes on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

As a bit of a bonus update today, our very own Litrid was challenged to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The result, well, that's a really big bucket...

That's Racist!

That's Racist!

In today's video, the group continues to play Munchkin, getting a far better grip on the game now. In this video there is plenty of wheeling, dealing, and more race changes than you'd find at a plastic surgery clinic.

In another update, the newest episode of Radio Sentai CastRanger is out as well, listen to our ramblings about Kamen Rider Gaim 40, and Ressha Sentai ToQger 23 at the link:

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/warning-spoilers-on-his-head/

Wheeling and Dealing

Wheeling and Dealing

For today's update, we bring you the second episode of our Munchkin game. In this episode, the crews learns how to play the game, and begin with a barrage of attempts to screw each other over, as is tradition.

Hooked on a Feeling

Hooked on a Feeling

For today's update, we bring you a new Night at the Theatah episode, where Cell Saga, Paul, and ChouRaven talk about the newest Marvel movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. Warning: Light spoilers.

Also, while we have your attention, we also present the latest episode of Radio Sentai CastRanger, with a slightly smaller crowd as we talk about the Kyoryuger: 100 Years Later Special. Red Caster and Black Caster elected not to be present, due to the fact that they did not watch the series.   You can listen to it at the link:

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/kyoryuger-100-years-later-and-retrospective/ 

Detailed-Illusion Interview

Detailed-Illusion Interview

For today's video update, we bring you a new Convention of Cosplay interview. This time, cameraman ChouRaven find himself interviewing cosplay guest Detailed-Illusion at ConBravo 2014.

We're Board

We're Board

For our usual Tuesday update, we bring you the first episode of a new series call We're Board, a tabletop gaming series where we all play an assortment of different games. In this episode, we start playing Munchkin, a cooperative/competitive card game rpg that tests friendships.

Mai Theory

Mai Theory

The newest episode of Radio Sentai CastRanger is here, give it a listen at the link below.

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/mai-theory-101/ 

Do Robots Even Need Helmets?

Do Robots Even Need Helmets?

For today's update, we bring you the finale of our Starbound Let's Play. In this episode, the crew starts asking themselves some serious questions, such as, "just how long has Raven been wearing that helmet?"

Bravo!

Bravo!

Remember when I said this would be a 2 update week? I lied. As promised, the ConBravo videos have arrived! Check out the whole playlist below. Enjoy!

Journey to the Centre of the... What Planet are We On?

Journey to the Centre of the... What Planet are We On?

Getting back to our usual 2 update per week schedule, we bring you a new episode of our attempt at playing Starbound. In this episode, the crew begin their epic journey to the centre of the planet... or the lowest possible point you can go. Whichever comes first.

Also, all of our ConBravo videos are currently uploading, so you can look forward to seeing those go up by the end of the week.

[IXI! Digest] Convention of Cosplay - Web Edition 08

[IXI! Digest] Convention of Cosplay - Web Edition 08

Hello, my name is Dee DL and I am with Convention of Cosplay. I am with Wayne the Cosplay Medic today.

Dee: I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to be interviewed today, Wayne. You're actually my very first interview I've had! I'd like to start off by asking you your name, and where you are from.

Wayne: Hello Dee, nice to meet you. My name is Wayne, and I'm from Toronto.

Dee: Hi Wayne! Pleasure to have the opportunity to interview you today. To start things off, my first question to you is: How long have you been cosplaying and what was your inspiration to start?

Wayne: I have been cosplaying for more than 2 years now. I don't really remember what inspired me to cosplay.

Dee: I have seen some of your cosplays this past year. They are fantastic. Can you tell us some of the cosplays you have done since you started?

Wayne: Well my first cosplay was Steampunk Wolverine, after that was a Steampunk costume. I did Dieselpunk Batman, Captain Canada, King Sombra from My Little Pony, Kamen Rider 1, Kamen Rider Skull and some casual costumes. I also did Rick O'Connell from The Mummy, a dieselpunk adventurer and my personal favourite, Captain Mal Reynolds from Firefly.

Dee: Oh wow! A lot of variety - I have seen a few of them already! Hopefully you will be able to submit a couple photos from your past cosplays. Out of all of these cosplays, which one is your favourite and why?

Wayne: Captain Mal Reynolds is my favourite because I like the character very much. It's also very comfortable to wear and it's very funny too, since I have a mask of Nathan Fillion to go with it.

Dee: So what methods do you use when it comes to putting together a cosplay? Do you have any material preferences?

Wayne: I opt to go with cheaper and easy to use materials like craft foam or cardboard. I’m not really good at masking costumes as putting together costumes. I'm better at making prop weapons.

Dee: I have seen some of the work you have done so far. It is really great, and you are very creative and talented. Have you participated in any costume contests? If so, what was the experience like and did you win any awards?

Wayne: I have been in several costume contests and masquerades. It was fun and exciting as I really enjoy being on stage. I did win several awards from different conventions and cosplay gatherings.

Dee: Anything in particular that stands out as an experience?

Wayne: The most memorable one is when I was Dieselpunk Batman at Unplugged 2013. I made my performance funny, and the audience seemed to like it.

Dee: I would love to have seen that. Despite how much the cosplay community is growing, there is still a lot of negativity surrounding cosplay, so I would like to ask a fellow cosplayer: what does cosplay mean to you?

Wayne: For me, cosplay is for fun. It's nice to be a character you love, and be in character. For me, I also enjoy the satisfaction of finishing a costume, and to feel more confident as well.

Dee: To follow up with your response, what advice would you give to someone who wants to go into cosplay, but isn't sure on how to start. As a follow-up: what would you like to see for the future of cosplay?

Wayne: My advice is to have fun while doing it. There is no right or wrong way to cosplay, there is only the passion you put into cosplay. The most important thing is don't forget the "play" in cosplay. Don't say no, just have fun.

Dee: Indeed! So just a few last questions.

Wayne: Yeah? Dee: If you could cosplay anywhere in the world (including any convention), where would it be, and which cosplay would you wear and why?

Wayne: I would love to make a gigantic Serenity ship costume and wear it at DragonCon in Atlanta. Because I love Firefly and DragonCon has the greatest display of cosplayers.

Dee: That would be amazing to see! Wayne, do you have any cosplayers who inspire you? If so, what is your favourite cosplay of theirs? And if you could leave one message or quote with us, what would it be?

Wayne: I don't really have an inspirational cosplayer, but I do have a couple of favorite cosplayers like Shelle-chi. I like her mostly for her personality and attitude, she's a great person and a very passionate cosplayer.

Dee: Thank you so much for the interview today and for being my first cosplay interviewee. To many cosplays, and many events more!

Raven's Epic Loot

Raven's Epic Loot

For your Friday update, we bring you the next part of our Starbound play-through. In this episode, construction of the house is almost done, and ChouRaven just keeps showing up with new, cooler items and abilities.

Presenting JonTron

Presenting JonTron

As an early start to our ConBravo 2014 videos, we present to you by popular request, our recording of JonTron's Q&A from the Saturday morning at the con. Enjoy.

Making a Monkey Out of Ourselves

Making a Monkey Out of Ourselves

For your Wednesday update, we bring you a new Night at the Theatah video. This time, Paul and Cell Saga discuss the new adaptation of a familiar franchise, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. This video comes complete with a musical conclusion.

And on another note, our photos from ConBravo 2014 are up, so give them a look.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152337265452955.1073741834.248077677954&type=1

How to Not Die

How to Not Die

We have returned from ConBravo last weekend, and we had a blast. Now, for today's update, we bring you more of our play-through of Starbound. In this episode, the crew starts to figure out how to not die so much.

And as always, you can expect to see our ConBravo videos and pictures in the next week or so.

End of the Rider War

End of the Rider War

As the whole IXI crew heads off to ConBravo in Hamilton today, here's the last video update of the week. We bring you the final part of our Kamen Rider Battride War 2 Test Drive, with Paul wrapping up his turn as Gaim, and playing a rather fun-looking boss fight.

And as mentioned before, there will be no new episode of Radio Sentai CastRanger over the weekend this week, as the crew will likely be preoccupied at ConBravo. Remember to sat hello if you see us.

Glitching the Game

Glitching the Game

Picking up where we left off last week, here is Part 4 of our Test Drive of Kamen Rider Battride War 2, in which we discover no one actually wants to use Kamen Rider W, we discover a hilarious glitch, and Paul gets his turn as Gaim.

Some Things Just Need to go Extinct

Some Things Just Need to go Extinct

Interrupting our Test Drive videos for a bit, we bring you a new Night at the Theatah. This time, Paul, Ichida, ChouRaven, and Overkill give their opinion on the new Michael Bay film, Transformers 4: Age of Extinction.

How Do I Phone

How Do I Phone

The newest episode of Radio Sentai CastRanger has arrived, you can view it at the link below.

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/a-tangled-mess-of-ignorance/ 

Walking Around in My Banana Arms

Walking Around in My Banana Arms

Our third and final update of the week is Part 3 of our Kamen Rider Battride War 2 Test drive. In this episode, Ransack takes over as Kamen Rider Baron, and the CastRanger crew gets into a rather heated discussion about characters from Kamen Rider Decade.

It's About Gaim

It's About Gaim

For today's update, the CastRanger crew continues playing Kamen Rider Battride War 2. This time, Cell Saga tries out Gaim, and everyone pokes fun at Litrid as he plays Fourze.

The Rider War is Upon Us Again

The Rider War is Upon Us Again

It looks like it's going to be a three update kind of week. This week we will be bringing you our Test Drive of the new Kamen Rider Battride War 2, the sequel to a game we did last year. The entire cast of our Radio Sentai CastRanger podcast is in on this one, to give their opinions and play, so give it a watch.

He Sees the Light!

He Sees the Light!

Hey guys, a bit earlier than usual, I know, but here's the newest episode of our Podcast, Radio Sentai CastRanger. Check it out at the link below.

http://castranger.podbean.com/e/boner-for-light/ 

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires

In today's update, the IXI crew continue playing Starbound, finding themselves a bit short on wood as they continue building their house.