After 8 years and 12 piercings, BME user metal_games wants to move on to other forms of art he can apply to his body. But instead of going down the tattoo road, this guy opted to go for scarification, wherein you intentionally scar yourself to create a pattern or an image. The interesting bit here is that the design isn't what you usually see - it's the image of the NES controller. For the squeamish, the pics may not be too suitable for you guys.

We're all curious as to how the rumored Kid Icarus game for the Wii will look like, but more importantly, how Pit will look like. It's lucky that we managed to come images were found in the web, labeled as Factor 5's concept art for the game. This much we'll tell you: the Pit they're working on - if the project is true, of course - is nothing like the Pit we all know and love. Check out the concept art in the full article.

Tattoos have been a part of human culture since the dawn of civilization. The markings inscribed permanently to a person's body is viewed as an art form that conveys a message of lifelong devotion. It may not be common in gaming, but there are some who love their favorite games so much that they wear symbols of the games on their flesh as if they were medals.

A Legend of Zelda fan named Mike Corbett expressed his love for the franchise in the most sincere way possible. He had his wife tattoo the game's hero, Link, to his arm and we must say that was some handiwork by Mrs. Corbett.

One question, though- do intellectual property rights apply for stuff you put into your body? We hope not. We'd love to see more of these acts of love. Hey, anyone there with a Pikachu tattoo?

No, this is most definitely not news. And while this article may not contain anything earth-shattering, mind-boggling, gravity-defying, universe-altering tidbit on the current standing of video games in our lives, let's just say this is passion for gaming at its most colorful and most extravagant display.

These, my friends, are pictures of gamer tattoos harvested by thelastboss.com from their readers. Now, while it may elicit that "ouch" from you, it nevertheless succeeds in leaving us amazed at the threshold of these inkers for pain. And what beautiful misery it turned out to be.

So check it out and see how well your games. Can anyone find Wally?

Much, much more after the jump!

Tattoos (the ones that don't rub off with spit) served as rites of passage, indicators of tribal status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, marks of brave acts, sexual lures and signs of fertility. Tattoos have a dark side, too, since they were used to mark outcasts, slaves and convicts. They also serve as amulets, talismans and protection against evil forces.

In the post-Hollywood era, a rock star ain't a rock star until he gets a tattoo. In fact, at times, it's more important than actual musical or singing talent.

And finally, tattoos are also pledges of love, which often outlast the relationship. Remember Johnny Depp's "Winona Forever" tattoo? Are they even on speaking terms now? Anyway Ivo's Winona happens to be Nintendo, Wii and Tri-Force. And he has the tattoos to prove it. We can only hope Ivo and Nintendo's love affair don't end like Johnny and Winona's.