Mario, Sonic, and Afros ... Oh My!

A lot has changed since the last time we featured an episode of the Cover Critic. Both Sony and Nintendo have released new portable game systems, long time companies have shut their doors forever, and the world has been reintroduced to a certain lawyer named Jack Thompson. Heck, even this site you're looking at has changed in many ways. So maybe it's time we take another serious look at video game covers, letting you know which ones we like and which we hate. After two years I invite you to embrace a brand new Cover Critic, one that isn't afraidto tell you what we really think. So enjoy five new covers and one new look!

Twisted Metal Black
It's refreshing to finally see a cover with some bite. Instead of suffering from a cartoony, or overly busy cover, Twisted Metal Black has a fantastic and simply cover. Here we have the main star of the game (of the series, really) Sweettooth sinister as always, however this time only showing half of his face. The past Twisted Metal games have features extremely busy and silly covers, however this one is different, and really nice looking. Truly one of the best looking covers for the PlayStation 2. Georgeous, simply georgeous.


NBA Street
Before you look at this cover, take a look at the Twisted Metal Black cover above. Now, see how simple that is? See how attractive that is?!? Well, NBA Street is exactly the opposite. However, it really doesn't matter that much, as it's a sports game. Regardless, this is a pretty busy cover, but not without charm. I must admit, I do like the afro.


Sonic Adventure 2
Sega has lived up to it's claims for a new adventure that was more than just another Sonic game. The cover does a great job of conveying that Sonic Adventure 2 has not one, but two fantastic adventures in it. The cover art is nice, too, kind of pleastant. However, Sega still chooses to stick with the new design of Sonic, as opposed to the Genesis sonic art. Sigh.


Super Mario Advance
Whoa ... what is this?!? Nintendo went all out to prove that not only is it a remake of the WORST Mario Brothers title ever, but it's also not worried about good cover art. Here is one of the most generic pictures of Mario (who happens to look more constipated than mean) I have ever witnessed. And to make matters worse, there's tons of writing covering up all the artwork!! And Really, the Game Boy Advance boxes look exactly like the Game Boy Color boxes!! Considering how attractive the Japanese box was, this is offensive.


Red Faction
It's nice to see that more publishers are focussing on quality cover art. This may look simple, and it really is simple, but it gets the point acrossed more than any picture of a guy with a gun. If you want to know what the game is like, don't go by the cover, go by the pictures on the back (which is a whole other section all together). Regardless, this really is a great looking cover.