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!
Metal Gear Solid 2
So here it is. The review you've all been waiting for ... HOW IS THE METAL GEAR SOLID 2 COVER ART? Well, it's pretty damn good, but not flawless. I like the art, it's fantastic, but the box just isn't as cool in my hands as I had hoped for. Perhaps I was too used to seeing the pre-release box (with shiny red all over), perhaps I'm just biased, but this Metal Gear Solid 2 box isn't "A" quality. Excellent art and a cool design, but a tried box design and not the most appropriate art ... the box art is WAY better than Tony Hawk 3, but not in the same caliber of Grand Theft Auto 3 or Twisted Metal Black.
Wave Race
Hey look! It's the first GameCube cover I've reviewed, so, let's take a few seconds to talk about the design of the GameCube boxes. Unlike the Xbox art, Nintendo has a rather attractive dripping-like logo. It's black, and has a nice shine ... I think it adds to the unified look of the GameCube boxes. It also doesn't have any contrasting colors. But anyway, we can discuss this all later ... for now let's take a look at his dull, boring, BLUE Wave Race box art. Sure, it's fitting, but it's also dull as hell. See, it's more interesting talking about that cool GameCube logo than it is to talk about Wave Race. How sad is that?!? Why didn't I choose Star Wars?!? I missed another oppurtunity. Well, let's move on ...
Luigi's Mansion
And here is the second GameCube cover. Okay, it's not Star Wars, but you'll likely see enough of that this weekend (what with the new trailer up and all). Anyway, let's talk Luigi. This cover is quite a bit better than the game is ... a sad commentary on Nintendo's flag ship Next Generation launch title. The picture of Luigi is priceless, and I have to question if it's the ghosts he's afraid of, or possible sequels! I'm shooting for the latter.
Project Gotham Racing
Hey look it's Metropolis Street Racer ... oh wait, no it's not, it's Project Gotham Racer. How can I tell the difference? Project Gotham has a GOD AWFUL cover!! Yeah, the car is cool looking, but can you take it serious in a green box. Hmm ... maybe that was a bit low. Nevertheless, this box just looks silly, what with the television commercial visual. But hey, this is another example of why we play games and not stare at the cover art.
Fuzion Frenzy
And then there's Fuzion Frenzy, a lame multiplayer game, and a lame cover. At least it's consistent. Anyway, this cover looks like a artists rendition of American Gladiators ... but not the cool Q-Tip fight, oh man, we're gonna get sued for that one. Did I mention that Q-Tip is a trademarked name. Hmm ... it's too late. Well, that's all for now, I think I'm going to re hire my lawyer now.
