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!
Grand Theft Auto III
The most surprising game of the year also has the best cover of the year. Even better than the Twisted Metal Black cover? YES!! It's artistic, it's classy, and best yet, it reminds me of classic film posters. The cover also hints at the themes and violence found in the game, but doesn't give too much away. As far as I'm concerned it's going to take a miracle for there to be a better cover this year. But, we still have Metal Gear Solid 2's cover to review ...
Ace Combat 4
As the years go on video game consoles have grown into quite the flying simulator system. With the release of Top Gun, Sky Odyssey, and other successful flying sims, one is bound to hit a wall when developing cover art. Do you show an airplane? Do you show a drawing? What do you show? Well, if you're Ace Combat 4 then you take a boring picture and add words! It's not that this cover is awful, in fact it's rather fitting, but when it comes to excitement you could do a whole lot better!! Also, is it just me or does the blast in the background seem just a little doctored? I prefer the Ace Combat 2 and 3 covers.
X-Men
The good news: The cover has famous characters, good art, and a recognizable theme. The bad news: It's dull dull dull. Each character is positioned in famous stances, but when it comes down to it this cover just streams GENERIC. If the cover was simple then kids would complain, but this cover is neither good or bad ... it's just plain dull.
Tennis 2k2
This cover makes the Ace Combat 4 cover look exciting!! If there's anything good you can say about this wonderful Tennis game it's the use of two of the best tennis players around. But the problem lies in the covers simplicity. Usually I'm all for simple covers, but this cover looks like it was put together in minutes. Of course, all of the current line of Sega Sports games have this thrown together look, but this one is especially bad.
Sunny Garoia Surfing
Thank God this is the last of the five covers to review. What is with this? Why do we need another surfing game? Weren't to other three bad enough?!? It's neither refreshing or surprising to report that like all other surfing games, this one has a boring cover. If you are looking for a nearly naked man, a big wave, and a surfboard on your cover then this is for you ... but if you're like me, you could do with out this tragedy.
