Voting time! We've got ten (count 'em, ten) finalists in our use-red-win-Heavenly Sword contest. Tons of entries poured in for this, and we had a bastard of a time picking these finalists. All the entries were fab — much love and respect to all who entered. So, without adieu, the best of the best! It's up to you, Kotakuland to pick the winner, which will be announced on Monday. You may vote once. Make sure to write down the finalist's number that you've selected. And remember, those who slip into little Mr. (or Ms.) Critic territory will feel the brunt end of the banhammer. Voting ends tonight at midnight EST. Onwards! To the finalists!!

Finalist #1

Lawrence writes:

The model in the photo is my girlfriend Kristen, and we shot it in my house against some silk sheets as a backdrop. She came up with the idea and carved the apple herself (it wasn't a photoshop job or anything). Legibility is a little tough when carving apples, but hopefully our "sign" is readable enough.

Finalist #2

James writes:

The recipe pictured, though delicious, does not necessarily exist—however, the red PlayStation Controller does (it was a Toys "R" Us exclusive). It has become one of my most reached for kitchen utensils, after having fallen out of favor with developers following the introduction of the original DUALSHOCK.

Finalist #3

Josh writes:

I call it "The End of an Era." Yes, that is our living room wall. No, I don't think I'll be married for much longer. See, I asked my wife if I could paint the wall red for the contest, I just kinda left out the spray paint part. The good news is that I actually got off my lazy butt and had some fun and my wife will end up with a nice(er), fully painted, red wall-eventually. The bad news...well, let's just say it's bit cold at our house for this time of year. At least if I win my wife can claim it was all her doing - if she didn't love red so much I'd have been screwed!

Finalist #4

Edrian writes:

Hmmm well it's basically a book-esque style with lots and lots of red stuff in it as the contest guidelines suggest. First is lots of big bold red "FF0000" and one "KOTAKU" text. But it doesn't stop there #FF0000 is a hex code for the color red. And if you look at the middle of the picture there is a very out of place ring, well you shouldn't focus on the ring but the shadow that it casted on the paper. Yes it's a heart (awwwwwwww). . . *ahem* hearts are related to red am I right?

Finalist #5

Alexandre writes:

Here is my submission for the Use Red, Win Heavenly Sword contest.

Finalist #6

Brendan writes:

Wasn't sure if the Lego and Cards spelling out Kotaku counted, so there's also a sign on the TV that says "Kotaku Contest".

My sister and I had fun putting this together

Finalist #7

Daniel writes:

I started spray painting last week as a hobby and decided that this was as good a time as any to spray characters as opposed to words. It's done on wood... I thought I captured the spirit of one Heavenly Sword, red haired heroine and I had to rush it when I got home from work to get it in on time. If you're wondering, the emo looking lemming in the bottom right corner is my signature (yes, it's a stencil).

Finalist #8

Bururian writes:

Came to me at the last minute. Can't remember how buzzed I was actually doing it though. I did drink most of that beer though.

Finalist #9

Fujoshi writes:

Well, here it is, my entry. It's complete with a Lego sword donated by my son.

Finalist #10

Pharlain writes:

Everyone loves game cakes. Except Luke. Sorry Luke. I'm a pastry chef by trade and I wish I got more requests for wedding cakes with game themes. Or any requests for game cakes. Anyhow here's a trade secret; that really smooth mailable stuff, fondant? Tastes like crap. It really really does. Technically it's edible, but that's only technically. I believe that any dessert should not only look kickass, it should be delicious. The entire cake is frosted with my very own buttercream which is magically delicious as only massive amounts of butter and sugar can be. The runes are piped buttercream and the other decorations are entirely white and bittersweet chocolate. That's not a transfer on top. The head and sword are both real chocolate. The bottom tier is a chocolate cake with a red cookie and cream filling. The top tier is red velvet with strawberry filling. That mini cake in the right corner is an example of how red the actual cake is.

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