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!
Herdy Gerdy
Hey kids, I think we might have a prime candidate of cover of the year! Okay, it's still early, but just take a look at this fun, humorous, and brilliantly drawn Herdy Gerdy cover. Why is this cover so much fun? Marvel in each characters stance and personality, and if their look doesn't make you at least want to TRY the game, I'm not sure what will. Few covers have this much style ... it's just a shame the game wasn't a little better ...
Eve of Extinction
At first glance I really didn't care much for this cover (just like the game). But as I stare blankly into the abyss if black and white I realize that there is something here missing from a lot of other covers. And similar to Herdy Gerdy (above) this cover has STYLE. The art might look like it's ripped off of a comic book, but it fits the game, yet doesn't give anything away. The color scheme is also easy on the eyes, I must say. After a little getting used to it I think this is quite an attractive cover.
Ecco the Dolphin
Unlike Eve of Extinction, I didn't like this cover before, and I still don't like it. What's going on here ... it's like Acclaim is daring you to buy this game. I like underwater creatures as much as the next guy, but you could at least make thme attractive And there's big ugly writing all over the box. I just don't understand what was going through their minds on this cover. I suppose looking back at all of the old school Ecco games their covers weren't much better, but I don't know, I still say this is one ugly drawing.
Shadowman 2econd Coming
Hello ... I'm trying to look REALLY scary, but not quite cutting it because my target audience has grown up on cheesy horror films, surrvial horror games, and a dumbed down school system. But that's not going to stop me from trying to scare you, but even I know the reality is that you'll be more afraid of the 'Nsync video game next to me than you wil of my smokey eyes. Please, if I need to come back, don't try to make a clever pun out of the number "3". Thank you very much.
Fatal Frames
Ah yes, our final review. I'd like to take this time to address a lot of people who mail me in and say I don't really talk about the "final cover". You say, you get out of it by saying you're tired, or you don't have anything to say, or better yet, I simply have run out of comments about covers. And you know what, you're right. And this time I'm not going to do it ... because this cover is pretty cool. And deserves the grade I give it!
