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This week's new releases brings us a host of sequels and franchise additions. Here we judge the box covers for the return of "Killzone," "Star Ocean," "Dead Rising," and 50 Cent. See which franchises kept their box art in check.
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"Killzone 2" (PS3)
What the Box Tells Us: A dude in a mask has menacing, glowing red eyes. A tiny smokestack billows in the background.
Cons: It's another game with a guy in mask on the cover (see "Fallout 3," "Haze").
Pros: This dude is in the zone. But the killzone? Yeah, he looks like he'd want to kill me. Isn't that all that matters?
Love It or Leave It: Love it.
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"Star Ocean: The Last Hope" (Xbox 360)
What the Box Tells Us: God has boyish (or girlish? I can't see) good looks, just stands around the universe and holds a sword, which he may or may not use to hit planets like baseballs.
Cons: It is a God game? That person is huge. Maybe it's like Voltron.
Pros: But it's much better and more interesting than the previous "Star Ocean" titles released on the PSP. Also, it's a unique take on scale, that's for sure.
Love It or Leave It: Love it.
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"50 Cent: Blood on the Sand" (Xbox 360, PS3)
What the Box Tells Us: A man we know as 50 Cent stands in front of an orange background, which seems to suggest it's a sandy area (hence the title) with explosions.
Pros: It's an idealized version of the rapper, replete with sour face, arms crossed and a bulletproof vest loaded with grenades. And in case you're not sure who he is, check the belt buckle.
Cons: But the real 50 Cent has bodyguards, women and Vitamin Water endorsements, as well as fancy cars and mansions. I can't reconcile the two 50 Cents here in my feeble mind. Sorry.
Love It or Leave It: Leave it.
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"Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop" (Wii)
What the Box Tells Us: A man covered in blood stands rather calmly inside a store. Despite all the dead, crazy-looking people trying to get in.
Cons: But the door's locked, even though the sign facing the zombies probably says it's open. False advertising! (No wonder they're mad.) And to ram the point home, the oddly-placed sticker on the door says "This door must be kept closed." OK, we get it, Capcom.
Pros: The cover is highly detailed, from the random blood splatter on the zombies to the hair on Frank's manly chest. The graphics for this game must be awesome.
Love It or Leave It: Love it.