Box art is important.
That's why every week we here at Multiplayer are taking a look at recent releases and callin' it like we see 'em.
We're just trying to help video game marketing departments and box art designers get the job done right.
This week's lesson: be wary of Photoshop disasters...
"Okami" (Wii)
What the Box Tells Us: We can't make this stuff up. The eagle-eyed folks on NeoGaf noticed something strange on the game's cover -- an IGN watermark near Ameratsu's mouth. Two words: Clone stamp.
Love It or Leave It: Leave it.
"Summer Sports: Paradise Island" (Wii)
What the Box Tells Us: If you were trapped on an island, what would you take with you? Balls. While Tom Hanks used ice skates for dental surgery and a volleyball for fireside chats (Cast Away, anyone?), these young, multicultural folks used these things for what they were actually intended for.
Love It or Leave It: Love it.
"The Sims 2: Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff" (PC)
What the Box Tells Us: Towel rack, check. Microwave, check. Lacy pink PJs, check. There are so many "Sims 2" content packs and expansions, EA just called it "Stuff" and slapped the actual stuff on the box. The solution? Stop making more "Sims 2" stuff.
Love It or Leave It: Leave it.
"Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis" (PC)
What the Box Tells Us: Forget old codger Sherlock Holmes sucking on his pipe and donning his dopey deerstalker cap. This time around The Adventure Company put a dapper-looking gentleman on the cover, presumably the "Nemesis" of the game. Is he a vampire? A thief? Whatever the case, I'm intrigued. It's elementary, my dear... sorry.
Love It or Leave It: Love it.
"Emergency Mayhem" (Wii)
What the Box Tells Us: Reasons to dial 911: watermelon-chucking monkeys, soaring penguins and dudes flying away on balloons. Another reason "mayhem" is about to ensue? There's no one driving.
Love It or Leave It: Leave it.
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Is there a game you'd like us to judge solely by its cover? Let us know.
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