Yep, it’s that time of year again: time for VC&G‘s famous Video Game Halloween Costume Ideas — 2008 edition.

Some video game fans have a tough time figuring out what costume to wear on All Hallows’ Eve. Every year around this time, I help them out and provide a few detailed suggestions geared towards the gaming enthusiast. These costumes are guaranteed to attract attention and garner popularity at the office Halloween party, on the street begging for candy, or anywhere in between.

By the way, if you like these, here’s even more costume ideas:
2010 Video Game Edition
2009 Video Game Edition
2007 Video Game Edition
2006 Video Game Edition
2006 Computer Edition

Cliff Bleszinski

As lead designer on Epic Games’ smash hit Gears of War, Cliff Bleszinski recently burst onto the public scene as a game development rock star. Armed with intelligence, affable confidence, and a touch of crazy, Bleszinski never fails to get the game media swooning. Learn his ways and you’ll be the life of any Halloween party you desire.

Cliff Bleszinski Costume Recipe:

• Earrings (2)
• Tattoo(s)
• Spiked hair
• Crazy outfit (your choice)
• Badass demeanor
• Lancer Assault Rifle

In-Character Behavior: Strut around and strike aggressive, wild-eyed poses (tongue preferably extended) while clutching your massive chainsaw gun. When confronted by those who challenge your awesomeness, unexpectedly break into a sensitive, emotional postmortem analysis of the Jazz Jackrabbit development process. Repeat; collect ladies.

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China Warrior

China Warrior may have ruined my childhood, but it doesn’t have to ruin your Halloween. Here’s how you can become the legendary karate master himself.

China Warrior Costume Recipe:

• Bruce Lee pants
• Bruce Lee complexion
• Bruce Lee build
• Bruce Lee
• In-born hatred of bowing monks

In-Character Behavior: Kick people dressed in robes. Punch any flying rocks/butterflies you see along the way. Only move forward.

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BASIC Programmer

Those unfamiliar with the rare BASIC Programming cartridge for the Atari 2600 never got the chance to appreciate the style and class of the world’s greatest BASIC Programmer and his reformed-cowboy midget friend. Now’s your chance to show them what they’ve missed.

BASIC Programmer Costume Recipe:

• Space suit
• BASIC Programming keypad
• Tiny assistant with calculator

In-Character Behavior: With the twin suns of Tatooine setting in the distance, proceed to program your Mark IV Super Master Control computer via your telepathic remote (the keypad). When your tiny assistant starts hum-singing country western tunes through his mustache, tell him to “GOTO 10.”

Bonus: Ulaf’s Candy Collection Program. Run the program here.

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Johnny Turbo

It’s 1992 and Turbo Technologies, Inc. is losing the battle for the living room. The struggling company needs a mascot with the same universal appeal as Nintendo’s Mario and Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog to turn the tables. In the nick of time, a crack marketing team develops Johnny Turbo to promote their Turbo Duo console, and Johnny gives TTI exactly the edge they need to permanently and decisively win the console wars once and for all.

Johnny Turbo Costume Recipe:

• Green jumpsuit
• Swimming goggles
• Red baseball cap, boots, gloves
• Glue-on beard
• Modular yellow TurboHarness of unknown capability
• Beer belly

In-Character Behavior: Jump out of the bushes and scream “KIDS!!! LISTEN!!!” at passing trick-or-treaters while pointing a pistol at their heads. Try not to get arrested.

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Castle of the Winds Guy

Finally: a costume for all the double amputees of the world. In the classic Windows 3.1 shareware roguelike Castle of the Winds, you play as a two-limbed noseless warrior on a mission to avenge your murdered godparents. Your bloodthirsty passion for melee combat is matched only by your bizarre quest for half-nudity.

Castle of the Winds Guy Costume Recipe:

• Short sword
• Blue speedos
• Map of Bjarnarhaven

In-Character Behavior: Hobble around on your leg stumps, bare-chested, while flailing your sword at nearby wildlife. Deny all offers for assistance; instead, seek the Enchanted Amulet of Kings.

—

Gauntlet II Team

This Halloween, you and three of your friends can adventure as a group of awkwardly-posed fantasy warriors from the classic arcade title Gauntlet II.

Gautnlet II Team Costume Recipe:

• Four people:
  – Mean elf
  – Mean valkyrie
  – Mean warrior
  – Slightly mean wizard
• Weapons:
  – Bow/arrows
  – Sword/shield
  – Double axe
  – Corn starch
• Optional: Florence flask of hydrogen sulfide (5), keys

In-Character Behavior:Crash a Halloween party by busting through the door and aggressively bumping into other guests. If it’s too crowded, smash your flasks on the ground. When one of you inevitably accidentally demolishes the snack bar, fiercely deny responsibility and shift blame to your other teammates.

—

The Chessmaster

For decades, this disembodied thinking head/hand combo has stared us down and haunted our dreams. Assuming the role the Chessmaster will surely intimidate even your most intellectually arrogant chesswhore friends.

The Chessmaster Costume Recipe:

• Glass chess set (lit from below)
• Long white beard, wig
• Bushy eyebrows
• Black velvet robe (to hide body)

In Character-Behavior: Assume the wizened pose on the Chessmaster box; don’t move for 22 years. Somehow, beat people at chess. If all else fails, just stare people down until they give you candy.

—

Wii Grandparents

With the release of the Nintendo Wii, even people over 35 can play video games. Here’s an easy and relatively modern costume idea for couples.

Wii Grandpa Costume Recipe:

• Wii remote
• Polo shirt, khaki pants
• “Do not resuscitate” sign

Wii Grandma Costume Recipe:

• Wii remote
• Green V-neck sweater, jeans
• Short haircut

In-Character Behavior: As Wii Grandpa, clutch the Wii remote to your heart and forcefully whisper about your pacemaker through clenched teeth; keel over. Meanwhile (Wii Grandma), act oblivious while asking how school is going.

—

Wumpus Hunter

The nameless adventurer in Hunt the Wumpus is rarely illustrated, so it’s a treat to see him/her rendered here for the TI-99/4A version of the game. Here’s one technically complicated costume that no one else will be wearing this Halloween.

Wumpus Hunter Costume Recipe:

• Feather helmet with glowing orb
• Blue body suit with gilded epaulets
• Scale mail scarf
• Butt cape
• Ineffectual, useless dagger
• One Nerf arrow
• Optional: Friend dressed as Wumpus

In-Character Behavior: Wearing a blindfold, navigate the party room by smelling farts and listening for Wumpus noises. Avoid slime pits (bathrooms), lest ye fall into the toilet. When confident of the Wumpus’ location, fire your arrow in that direction. If you fail, go home in shame without candy.

—

Computer Space Robot Bimbo

Designed and built by Ted Dabney and Nolan Bushnell, the Computer Space Robot Bimbo is ready to serve you. But sorry folks, no genitalia here — only a coin slot.

Computer Space Robot Bimbo Costume Recipe:

• Blonde wig
• Diaphanous white nightgown
• Miscellaneous gold jewelry
• Computer Space cabinet

In-Character Behavior: Sigh and moan “Oh, Nolan…” as people walk by. While looking dazed, show off your gigantic yellow coin-operated space dildo to anyone who’s interested.

—

Mr. Cool

Dear God. I don’t even know what the hell is going on with this guy.

Mr. Cool Costume Recipe:

• Refrigerator box
• 145 bottles of Elmer’s Glue
• Whale eyeballs, tongue

In-Character Behavior: While looking googly-eyed, slobber all over the place. Try to hop. If possible, crush a monster. If not, try anyway. It’s going to be a long night.

—

Happy Halloween, everybody.

If you liked these, here’s even more costume ideas:

2010 Video Game Edition
2009 Video Game Edition
2007 Video Game Edition
2006 Video Game Edition
2006 Computer Edition

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm and is filed under Computer Games, Gaming History, Humor, Regular Features, Retrogaming, Ulaf Silchov. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.