The 20-year-old from Calgary recently flexed her creative muscles with Resistance in mind, making a spot-on replica of the Marksman, a long-range weapon that made its debut in Resistance 2. We recently had a chance to chat with this extremely talented costume and prop maker about constructing this tool of destruction.

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself?

Izy Cheung: Um, I’m not really sure what to say. I was always that kid that stuck out in a crowd, even when I wasn’t trying to. I’ve always had a very curious and creative mind growing up, which wasn’t always for the best, as it’d get me in trouble whenever I took something apart to see how it worked. So now that I have the resources and know-how, I can use my creativeness and build my beloved characters through costumes and really make them come to life. Aside from my addictive costume making and the obvious passion for video gaming, I love to play field hockey and draw. Other than that, I’m pretty much a hermit and an anti-social freak, unless my friends literally dragged out of my house. Ha-ha.

You’ve said that this is actually the first weapon prop that you ever created. Why start now?

I’ve always wanted to do a costume that had a sweet prop, and the Chimera seemed like a good place to start. And seeing as a Chimera is my next major costume, I couldn’t very well go without a gun!

I know it probably wasn’t a good idea to have my first prop be the awesome Marksman, but I always love a good challenge. I am very pleased with the outcome produced, having lacked a background in prop making.

Why go with the Marksman for your first Resistance weapon?

Of all the Resistance weapons, the Marksman is my all-time favorite; I’m a sniper at heart. Some would suggest I go with the Fareye instead if I’m a sniper, but the Marksman does more damage, has the orbs as a secondary fire, and just looks the coolest out of all of them. I totally fell in love with this gun at first sight (I really like my guns!!).

You said it took roughly 100 hours of labor to create this prop. What were some of the toughest parts of putting it together?

Actually, overall it wasn’t too bad; just a bunch of cutting and gluing. Aside from a couple wounds of stupidity (Be safe: Don’t cut a wooden dowel with a butcher knife, kids!!) and a messed-up sleep schedule, it wasn’t too hard to make at all.

The hardest thing was trying to find some decent pictures to work off so I can get it as accurate as possible. I spent hours on end just looking for something as a reference. I ended up finding one art concept I could use. So I took my camera, turned on my TV and starting playing, pwnd some Chimera, and took some pictures of their weapons (which I later used to go kill their buddies with, ha-ha, suckers!).

This prop doesn’t weigh nearly as much as the Bullseye we have at Insomniac—how did you keep it so light?

It was the types of materials that I chose to make it with. I could have made it with heavier materials, but I figured: If I’m going to be carrying this thing all around conventions and other such places, I don’t really want to be hauling a 30lb gun. I needed something light-weight, sturdy, and materials that were easy to work with. So I chose to make the majority of it out of craft foam.

You’re a self-admitted Resistance fan, especially of the weapons. What’s it about this franchise’s arsenal that you find so appealing?

That’s a bit of a tough question; probably because they’re shiny. Ha-ha, just kidding. In all seriousness, I just really love the overall design of each of them. They’re well thought-out, have an amazing design, super creative in their functions, and they make things go “boom.”

Have you ever thought about making a prop based on a Ratchet weapon?

I haven’t gotten into Ratchet quite yet; I have a slight OCD problem and when I get obsessed with something I love, I stick with it for a long time and focus on just that. Ha-ha. Eventually it’ll phase out, but in a couple months I’ll probably be playing it again like it’s a shiny new game. I’ve played the campaign a dozen times and I’m still not tired of it.

But I’m sure if I put down Resistance long enough to pick up Ratchet, I’d probably end up making something from it, too. The idea of making a Ratchet costume would also be really, really cool.

What’s the next Resistance weapon you’ll make? And what’s this we hear about you creating a Chimera mask?

Well, there’s just so many to choose from! Of course I plan on making them all, but I’d like to make my favorite ones first: Wraith, Fareye, Auger, LAARK, Bullseye, and the Pulse Cannon (Oh I can’t wait to do the Pulse Cannon!! It’s going to have so many shiny lights on it!!). And with each new weapon I do build, I plan to make it better than the last and each will have cool features like the Marksman.

Ah yes, my Chimera costume. I’m not just making the mask, but the whole thing—from six-eyed goodness to the heat stacks glowing. It all started with one late night of gaming and a crazy idea, as I sat there sniping down Ravagers, I thought, “Man it’d be cool to do a Chimera costu–….hey, maybe I should… I could…nah, but that’s a crazy idea…but then again I AM crazy…THAT’S IT! My next costume is going to be a Chimera!” So I started the madness and begin working on my Chimera costume. I have already completed a few pieces of armor, so I decided to take a break from the armor and work on a gun, the Marksman.

It’s funny, because people are getting excited over a gun and are thinking, “crazy Resistance fan makes shiny gun,” but what they don’t know is that it’s really a small part of a whole Chimera costume yet to come. Well, two to be exact. I’m also making one for a friend (he’s roughly the same size), so I’ll have my own Chimeran army…of two! Ha-ha.

The response to the gun has been amazing. I can’t begin to imagine what it’ll be like when people find out/see I’m doing a whole Chimera costume!

Have you thought about a career in making props and costumes?

I have, actually. I’m looking into exactly what kind of schooling I’d need for that. But quite frankly, I hate school. And I don’t believe that school can teach you something like prop and costume making to its fullest extent. A “hobby” like this really requires field experience and just going out there and making stuff at your own skill and pace.

But as a career, I would love to do that! I wouldn’t even do it for the money or fame, just for the pure love for making costumes. Just even talking about costumes and making them really gets me excited. And when asked a question that is costume-related, you can’t get me to shut up when I give an answer. Ha-ha.

What’s the best way people can check out your creations and what you’re currently working on?

My website is a good place: http://www.hyokenseisou.ca/.

Really, I’m on a number of sites so it’s not too hard to find updates on costumes and such. Various links are on my homepage, though. But, I am far too lazy to update my site on a regular basis, so the best way for a current update is probably on my youtube, which also has the occasional tutorials. Another good place for picture updates would be my cosplay account on Deviantart.com.

Dr. Malikov and The Grims didn’t just have a part in Resistance 2’s campaign—you could also assume the role of these characters on the game’s competitive multiplayer battlefields. Well, that’s if you pre-ordered R2 at select U.S. retailers and received one of the bonus multiplayer skins.

Over the last few months we’ve received a number of e-mails from Resistance fans here and around the globe requesting these exclusive skins. So starting today both will be available for download through the PlayStation Store for free (releasing on June 11 in Europe)!

And speaking of adding to your Resistance collection, we’ve also seen quite a few franchise-related items come out since R2’s release. Here’s a quick refresher for you:

• The comic book series: Wildstorm (a division of DC Comics) has published a six-part miniseries that revealed all-new details about the Resistance universe, which included an in-depth look at the Sentinels and touched upon aspects of the Retribution storyline. Issue #6 just hit store shelves last week.



• The novel: Ever wonder what exactly happened during the two-year gap that separates the first two levels of R2? Acclaimed science-fiction author William Dietz tells that story in Resistance: The Gathering Storm, which is available now.



• The t-shirt: With the weather starting to heat up, here’s the perfect addition to your gaming wardrobe. You can find this t-shirt at your local Hot Topic and its online store.

More is also on the way, including Resistance action figures from DC Unlimited. Lt. Nathan Hale, the Ravager, and other characters from the franchise will be available this September.

This Thursday, May 21st, the epic sci-fi shooter franchise Resistance comes blasting into Home with a dedicated game space featuring an awesome turret-style FPS mini-game, reward items, leaderboards and full-on game launching support.

Visit the space early in the day and use the “Four Barrels of Fury” mini-game to trigger your itchy finger. You will be awarded special virtual goods as you further hone your Chimeran ship blasting skills and a nearby global leaderboard will capture and display the highest scores. Then take advantage of your war-torn surroundings and meet up with fellow Resistance fans, old and new, and launch into either co-op or competitive multiplayer matches of the critically-acclaimed apocalyptic shooter, Resistance 2, developed by Insomniac Games.

On launch day, your favorite Community Managers (ahem!) will be on-site to battle with you, and the folks from Insomniac will be dropping in over time to do the same (like next Thursday, from 5:00-6:00pm PT). Best of all, we’ll be designating every Friday night from 6:00pm – 12:00am “Resistance 2: SRPA Siege” nights. We’re inviting you all to show up and contribute to the carnage, whether you are currently fighting the virus or happily succumbing to it.

See you in Home!

2008 marked a momentous year for Resistance 2 and Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty, as well as the opening of its new North Carolina studio.

Insomniac continues to grow at a steady pace and is currently seeking new employees in a variety of production-related positions. If you’re interested in joining the Insomniac team, check out Insomniac’s career page for current openings:

As part of its upcoming 15th anniversary celebration, Insomniac is treating its employees and their significant others to a fun-filled cruise to the Bahamas. For additional company perks, take a look at Insomniac’s 2008 recruitment video below.

Congrats Insomniac and enjoy the well-deserved trip!

And it’s not all about bragging rights—this event features over $50,000 in prizes. From December 22 to February 28, 2009, four-player teams will compete in a ladder-style competition, and then the top 64 teams will battle it out in a single-elimination bracketed tournament from March 1 through March 31. The top team will take home $9,000.

So if you’re interested in testing your skills against the very best Resistance 2 players, sign up here. Good luck, everyone—look for continued coverage of the tourney on MyResistance.net, including interviews with some of the participants.

Now, since this is the holiday season, we figured it was time to provide you with some Resistance-related gifts that won’t do any damage to your wallet. Here we go:

Resistance 2 PS3 Themes: As if your PlayStation 3 hadn’t been subjected to enough of the Chimeran invasion, the attacks continue this Thursday with some brand-new Resistance 2 themes for your console. Insomniac’s art team put together three sweet-looking themes, each sporting multiple wallpapers. Here’s a peek at “Man vs. Chimera,” which you’ll be able to download from the PlayStation Store:

Resistance: Fall of Man Map Packs—Now Free: If you haven’t had a chance to try out R:FOM’s download-only multiplayer maps before, well, now you have no excuse. Starting tomorrow, both map packs will be available free of charge through the PlayStation Store. Just remember, though—these maps are only compatible with the first Resistance.

New Resistance 2 Trailer: Free PS3 themes and map packs won’t be the only reason to visit the PlayStation Store on 12/11. We’ve also cut a new Resistance 2 trailer, which features some really epic moments from the game. I’d say it’s my favorite trailer we’ve put together for this title.

And before I go, a quick programming note: Tune into G4’s X-Play this Friday at 8 p.m. EST, as Ted Price, Insomniac’s founder and CEO, will be co-hosting the episode. Ted will be discussing Resistance 2’s development, answering viewer questions, and even revealing his top five games of all time. Some of his choices may surprise you.

If you weren’t able to make it – here’s what you missed:

Earlier in the week, Resistance 2 Launch Day, the team was at the San Francisco Metreon to hook up the assembled crowd with a special price on the limited edition of R2, autographs, and even the chance to feature on the cover of the game.

Yes, that’s a Bullseye rifle in her hands. Before midnight, SCEA presented Insomniac CEO Ted Price with a detailed replica of the Mark I rifle, complete with laser scope and removable cartridge. No Chimeran hybrids were harmed during the event.

Overall, it was a great series of events showcasing the importance of community and fan support to Insomniac’s game development. We’ll have more on the Burbank Community Day later this week, and look for an even deeper recap soon on Insomniac’s Web site.

Midnight Launch Event: That’s right, Resistance 2 is taking over the PlayStation Store in San Francisco’s Metreon for the night of November 3rd (and early on the 4th). In addition to being one of the first to pick up a copy of the game, attendees will be able to meet a host of Insomniacs (including Ted Price, our President and CEO, and members of the community team), receive some cool swag, get their copy of the game signed, and have their picture taken and placed on the cover of Resistance 2. Oh, and if you’re planning on purchasing the collector’s edition, you definitely want to come to this event. Trust us; your wallet will thank you for it. You can purchase the game at 12:01 am, but fans that show up a bit early can meet us and get that photo of yourself on the R2 cover.

While November 4 has been etched in the minds of Resistance fans, here’s another one to mark on your calendar: November 7. That’s the date of our first-ever community day here at Insomniac. Fans will be treated to a studio tour, Resistance 2 competitive multiplayer sessions against the dev team, a panel discussion about our latest title, and other fun activities. If you are at least 17 years old and live/plan to be in the Los Angeles area on November 7, e-mail us at RSVP@insomniacgames.com for more details on the event.

Well, that’s it for now. I hope you use this weekend to get in a few extra rounds with the beta (we just extended it until Monday). See you soon on the battlefield!

• The open application process will close today at 4 p.m. PDT. If you haven’t applied yet, head to http://beta.myresistance.net/apply.
• Today is not your last chance! Much like with the LittleBigPlanet beta, USA Today will be distributing (hundreds of) codes on their site beginning next Tuesday.
• The download servers will shut down on Wednesday, October 29 at 5 p.m. PDT. What’s that mean exactly? You won’t be able to download the beta after this date.
• We’ll be shutting down the beta servers on Thursday, October 30 at 11:59 p.m PDT. After that, you’ll need a retail copy of R2 to continue playing this first-person shooter.

As development on the game is wrapping up in here in Burbank, and the last few bugs are hunted down and squashed, we wanted to make an announcement we’re very excited about. Since Resistance: Fall of Man, one of the biggest feature requests for the game was that we implemented split-screen online play. We are happy to announce that Resistance 2 will feature 2-player split-screen play for both competitive play as well as our 8-player online co-op campaign! Now you won’t have to stop leveling up your medic just because your friend is over!

In addition – we recently announced the contents of our collector’s edition. Many of you wrote in asking for the bonus disc to be a Blu-Ray instead of a DVD. We can also announce that the Bonus Disc will now indeed be a Blu-Ray disc, bringing almost all of the special features to you in High-Definition.

We are excited to play you guys online during the public beta in the coming weeks, as well as when the game releases on November 4th.

If you have questions or comments, please post below. Bryan Intihar and I will be around to answer!