After nearly three hundred issues, Nintendo Power has finally come to an end. To send this long-running periodical off in style, the Cover Critic has decided to review every single issue. Join him as he experiences every aspect of Nintendo's journey through their magazine covers.

When it comes to the Disney Afternoon, Nintendo Power has been running hot and cold. On one hand, their DuckTales cover is original and inspired, mixing Disney's artwork with real props. Unfortunately, their next try wasn't nearly as successful. Chip 'N Dale Rescue Rangers underlines the magazine's slide into complacency. Now, 22 issues later, which Nintendo Power are we going to get -- inspired or lazy?

If you've been playing attention to the last few issues, then you'll already know the answer to this simple question. Gone are the days of real artists putting their own spin on popular video games, because the Nintendo Power of 1992 is more than happy to toss any old licensed artwork on the cover and call it a day.

All this is a shame, because it wouldn't take much to turn save the day. The problem with this artwork isn't the fact that they simply took from the Disney archive, but rather that it leaves nothing to the imagination. It's little more than Drake Mallard in costume standing in front of a brick wall. Instead of looking like Darkwing Duck is about to save the day, this cover suggests he's about to go into a lengthy rant about women drivers. Trust me, I've done open mic night and "YeeeeOoow" is an appropriate response.

Want to make this cover stand out? Get rid of Darkwing Duck making his stand-up debut and highlight the silhouette on the wall. Perhaps show the Darkwing's outline fighting the villains, therefore justifying the sounds scattered about. As it is, Darkwing Duck is mugging for the camera while somebody else fights bad guys. In a perfect world, Nintendo Power would get less dangerous and spend a little more time being creative.