In pictures: The ultimate cosplay girl gallery

Journalistic integrity is a funny old thing. On the one hand, we strive to produce articles with substance and integrity; to inform and enlighten, as well as entertain. ...But on the other hand, our readers like looking at hot babes in cosplay outfits -- and who are we to deny them? Frankly, if bringing joy to thousands of sweaty-palmed gamers is wrong, we don't want to be right. Walkleys be damned.

What we've assembled here is the absolute cream of the cosplay crop. Over the next 109 pages, prepare to be dazzled and besotted to a degree that is almost certainly dangerous to your health. If you're a Black Cat, Tifa Lockheart or Kasumi fan, caution is especially advised.

On a serious note, the following images should be appreciated for their artistic quality – these girls worked long and hard on those handkerchief-sized costumes; so show a little respect. (Now that we have that little disclaimer out of the way, let the ogling begin!)

…I'm fired aren’t I? [Oh, absolutely – Ed.]