Shortly after the event’s opening ceremony the well respected Akemi Solloway, who was also one of last year’s highlights, provided the first of three talks about Japanese culture and tradition. The weekend also featured a wealth of classes with a view to sharing tips and tricks as well as inspiring attendees to have a go themselves. These were as diverse as panels like cosplay on a budget, how to start a web comic and leather working, to presentations from guest artists on how to produce your own manga inspired work. Graphic artist Destiny Blue presented a lively and informative panel on digital illustration which made for an entertaining presentation. Other event highlights included a number of well rehearsed and performed skits beyond the calibre of last years participants including an energetic Dr Who cosplayer who repeatedly took to the stage for 2 acoustic sing-alongs and a paraphrased speech from the series, all of which received genuine and widespread applause.
NemaCon 2011 kept much of the same framework but was a far more coherent and organised production this year. 2011′s event proves that NemaCon can stand on it’s own two feet as a convention but its true test lies in the coming years where it will have to continue to expand to hold the interest of its attendees. The sheer quantity and quality of cosplay at the convention has stepped up significantly since last year with bolder attempts at more outlandish characters with some being down right impressive purely on the basis of the tenacity and obscurity of their character and costume choice. Browse our gallery of photos from the event below.

The Warring Factions Of The Secret World.

The Secret World is an mmo that is not only set in the real world of earth, albeit in the midst of combat between the Illuminati, Templars and Dragons, but also a game unique leveling experience. Registrations for beta testing have begun, with a prize draw included as an incentive. Successful applicants will not just get to play the game but also stand the chance of receiving exclusive in game items or winning the chance to visit developer Funcoms own studios in Montreal. The Secret World has been in development for a long time now, initially generating interest through a personality test for the games three warring factions based on popular social networks and a stirring trailer.
The story of Secret World revolves around the simple core idea that every legendary creature you’ve ever heard of is real and waging a nightmarish war with the human world. In this war the three factions of the Illuminati, Templars and Dragons all have their own goals and motivations for battling back against these hidden dangers. This new first phase of “The Secret War” asks users to choose their faction before registering and bind their new account to their facebook. In the trailer for this so called first phase a world map sees the factions go against one another for domination of the world which may suggest the format of this games next social stage, not unlike Fable 3′s recent geotagging revolution game which allowed participants to gain in game rewards.
What truly sets The Secret world apart for other MMORPG’s is its progression system. From the very beginning of the game you are able to progress through the story line and missions how ever you wish, not limited by levels or classes instead relying upon gaining influence within the secret societies each faction is based upon. While there will already be a range of weapons and powers available to your character, performing tasks for these organisations will earn you even more powers, weapons, and even unique uniforms, and, of course, access to untold secrets.
While The Secret World is an original concept that tries to break the mould of modern RPG gaming time, and a significant amount of beta testing, will tell whether these ideas will prove game changing or simply a curiosity.
Visit The Secret World official website to secure your beta place now.