So, I found this list of 39 creative game covers. And I think it's shit. Not all of it but at least some.[footnote]I don't even intend to link to the article - it's not worth it - a single paragraph, some advertising links and then just the covers. They don't deserve the traffic. If you wish, just google it[/footnote]. Here is the list and my comments on it, feel free to agree/disagree/stay neutral. (also, I didn't find any pattern in the order of the covers, I'll just present it as it currently is).
Finally - something I think should have totally been there:
Yeah. And it's cool to boot.
Prototype
Let's say it's all right. Nothing brilliant but not bad. Just Alex looking at his blade morphed appendage.
Let's say it's all right. Nothing brilliant but not bad. Just Alex looking at his blade morphed appendage.
Section 8
I haven't played it but I'll hazard a guess that it's the protagonist there staring menacingly at you while holding his weapon. It's only most action games that have it. really creative. That's probably scenes from the game in the background. Just like most other games, again. At least the colours are pretty - blue at the top and red at the bottom. So contrast-y. Also, the whole set up makes reminds me of Mass Effect.
I haven't played it but I'll hazard a guess that it's the protagonist there staring menacingly at you while holding his weapon. It's only most action games that have it. really creative. That's probably scenes from the game in the background. Just like most other games, again. At least the colours are pretty - blue at the top and red at the bottom. So contrast-y. Also, the whole set up makes reminds me of Mass Effect.
Gears of War
Oh look, it's a cover where the protagonist is staring at you with his weapon drawn. How original! And those must be scenes from the game in the background.
Oh look, it's a cover where the protagonist is staring at you with his weapon drawn. How original! And those must be scenes from the game in the background.
Fallout 3
Really? Fallout 3 is creative? It's not a huge deal different from the cover of Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics. I'm not saying it's "bad" I just don't think it's original. Also, it's some armoured dude staring at you. It may not be the protagonist but it's not that different from Section 8. At least he doesn't have a weapon (or isn't shown to) and there are no scenes from the game in the background.
Really? Fallout 3 is creative? It's not a huge deal different from the cover of Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics. I'm not saying it's "bad" I just don't think it's original. Also, it's some armoured dude staring at you. It may not be the protagonist but it's not that different from Section 8. At least he doesn't have a weapon (or isn't shown to) and there are no scenes from the game in the background.
Timeshifh
Armoured dude holding a weapon is staring at you and there is stuff in the background. Maybe he's the protagonist and maybe those are scenes from the game. I don't know. There is a possibility, though.
Armoured dude holding a weapon is staring at you and there is stuff in the background. Maybe he's the protagonist and maybe those are scenes from the game. I don't know. There is a possibility, though.
Hellgate London
OK, it does get points for originality. You don't often see the son of Diablo and Cthulhu drooling over Wesminster Palace.
OK, it does get points for originality. You don't often see the son of Diablo and Cthulhu drooling over Wesminster Palace.
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising
Generic war picture. Also seen on the numerous WW2 shooters that were all the rage several years ago. Like Medal of Honor, for example. Oh and an armed dude is starting at you. At least he's in profile.
Generic war picture. Also seen on the numerous WW2 shooters that were all the rage several years ago. Like Medal of Honor, for example. Oh and an armed dude is starting at you. At least he's in profile.
Darksiders
Yeah, that's fine, I think.
Yeah, that's fine, I think.
Ninja Blade
That's good. Also looks fun - a ninja with a ridiculous amount and variety of weapons (DAT BROADSWORD) seems to be fighting flying....things. I'd play that!
That's good. Also looks fun - a ninja with a ridiculous amount and variety of weapons (DAT BROADSWORD) seems to be fighting flying....things. I'd play that!
Ascension to the throne
An armoured and armed dude is looking not quite at you. Maybe. I can't actually see his eyes. Also, this is generic armoured medieval dude #5041 from the covers of medieval-ish games. I think that if they don't put the protagonist on there or something, they use GAMD #whatever.
An armoured and armed dude is looking not quite at you. Maybe. I can't actually see his eyes. Also, this is generic armoured medieval dude #5041 from the covers of medieval-ish games. I think that if they don't put the protagonist on there or something, they use GAMD #whatever.
Bionic Commando
Oh look. He's staring at me. But take a good look at him. Wait for it...
Oh look. He's staring at me. But take a good look at him. Wait for it...
Assassin's Creed
...here, see this? I like how the two covers are next to each other - they use the same thingie across - protagonist is posing slightly turned to the side to show off his distinct feature. And in both cases it's to do with their left hand. Also notice how both are looking slightly below their eye level.
...here, see this? I like how the two covers are next to each other - they use the same thingie across - protagonist is posing slightly turned to the side to show off his distinct feature. And in both cases it's to do with their left hand. Also notice how both are looking slightly below their eye level.
The house of the dead: Overkill
It's all right. I'll just take the moment to mention that I played some HoD 2 lately. I liked it.
It's all right. I'll just take the moment to mention that I played some HoD 2 lately. I liked it.
Medal of Honor: Vanguard
Well, I mentioned MoH on the Operation Flashpoint cover. I wasn't think of this specific cover but it's also close. Also armed dude. But not looking at you. And war.
Well, I mentioned MoH on the Operation Flashpoint cover. I wasn't think of this specific cover but it's also close. Also armed dude. But not looking at you. And war.
Tenchu: Shadow Assassins
I don't think this one is overdone, so it's OK. On the other hand that cover doesn't really tell me much about the game - that guy doesn't look assassin-y or shadow-y. He's probably Tenchu, whatever that is.
I don't think this one is overdone, so it's OK. On the other hand that cover doesn't really tell me much about the game - that guy doesn't look assassin-y or shadow-y. He's probably Tenchu, whatever that is.
The Saboteur
I'm pretty sure I've seen a similar cover but at least it's not mainstream.Aside from him staring at me.
I'm pretty sure I've seen a similar cover but at least it's not mainstream.Aside from him staring at me.
Crysis
Oh, fuck off. At least he has his back on the camera.
Oh, fuck off. At least he has his back on the camera.
Dirt 2
Well, I'm out of my waters here. I don't play many racing games, so I don't know if a car mid jump is common or not. However, I do remember Colin McRee Rally having a similar cover - Google tells me that I'm right and but the car as jumping to the other side. Well it depends on the version, though - one of the CMR covers for the PS has it moving to the right (while others have it moving to the let) and CMR 2.0 for Gameboy Advance also has a car jumping to the right.
Well, I'm out of my waters here. I don't play many racing games, so I don't know if a car mid jump is common or not. However, I do remember Colin McRee Rally having a similar cover - Google tells me that I'm right and but the car as jumping to the other side. Well it depends on the version, though - one of the CMR covers for the PS has it moving to the right (while others have it moving to the let) and CMR 2.0 for Gameboy Advance also has a car jumping to the right.
Heavenly Sword
Well look at that - it's a girl on the cover and she doesn't show her ass or boobs at the camera. That is original, I mean it. There is some leg though, but what can you do?
Well look at that - it's a girl on the cover and she doesn't show her ass or boobs at the camera. That is original, I mean it. There is some leg though, but what can you do?
Heavy Rain
That is possibly the most creative cover of all.
That is possibly the most creative cover of all.
Infamous
Dude - check. Stare - check. Armed...well, he has his electricity at hand - check. A bit unconventional but I don't think it reeks of originality. But nice contrast between the bleak grey in the background and the start yellow, I like that.
Dude - check. Stare - check. Armed...well, he has his electricity at hand - check. A bit unconventional but I don't think it reeks of originality. But nice contrast between the bleak grey in the background and the start yellow, I like that.
Dragon Age: Origins
That's good. But someone familiar is here - Generic Armoured Medievel Dude #5042. And...now that I look at it - who is the girl supposed to be? Morrigan? yeah, I had to do side by side comparison
Look at the jewellery - I think it's supposed to be Morrigan but the concept underwent changes until it went into the game - the neck-collar thingie from the covers is changed to more of a necklace thingie. And so on.
That's good. But someone familiar is here - Generic Armoured Medievel Dude #5042. And...now that I look at it - who is the girl supposed to be? Morrigan? yeah, I had to do side by side comparison
Look at the jewellery - I think it's supposed to be Morrigan but the concept underwent changes until it went into the game - the neck-collar thingie from the covers is changed to more of a necklace thingie. And so on.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Well the cover is similar to other GTA covers but that's forgiven - same franchise after all, other than that, it's more creative than most covers on this list.
Well the cover is similar to other GTA covers but that's forgiven - same franchise after all, other than that, it's more creative than most covers on this list.
Trine
I can't recall other games that have a similar cover. I quite like it, by the way. Really smooth.
I can't recall other games that have a similar cover. I quite like it, by the way. Really smooth.
Warhammer 2: Down of War
Yes - "Warhammer 2: Down of War". That's seriously the name of the game as it appeared on the list. Other than that, at least he's not looking at you.
Yes - "Warhammer 2: Down of War". That's seriously the name of the game as it appeared on the list. Other than that, at least he's not looking at you.
Killzone 2
Not entirely overdone but I wouldn't call that creativity.
At any rate: 6
Not entirely overdone but I wouldn't call that creativity.
At any rate: 6
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
For a game? I suppose it's original. For a Star Wars thing? No, not really.
5
For a game? I suppose it's original. For a Star Wars thing? No, not really.
5
Left 4 Dead
Heh, 4. I still chuckle occasionally when I see the cover art. I think it's creative.
Heh, 4. I still chuckle occasionally when I see the cover art. I think it's creative.
Left 4 Dead 2
I derive more pleasure from looking at the first one. 3
I derive more pleasure from looking at the first one. 3
Grand Theft Auto: Lost and Damned
2
Oh goody. Well armed staring dude has da gang at his back. Still, looks more distinct that other Armed Staring Dudes.
2
Oh goody. Well armed staring dude has da gang at his back. Still, looks more distinct that other Armed Staring Dudes.
MadWorld
I think that's good. As a side note - any time I see that guy, he reminds me of Hellboy. 1
I think that's good. As a side note - any time I see that guy, he reminds me of Hellboy. 1
Mass Effect
0: Go six covers back. Yeah, I think it's pretty similar to Killzone 2. Evil looking dude over some other guys. With that aside, I don't think it reeks of originality. Well, maybe in the video game world.
0: Go six covers back. Yeah, I think it's pretty similar to Killzone 2. Evil looking dude over some other guys. With that aside, I don't think it reeks of originality. Well, maybe in the video game world.
Prince of Persia: The two thrones
I think it's good.
I think it's good.
Red Alert 3
I don't like the cover. For some reason it always seems like the comradette there has just farted a bear, a tesla...space-marine-slash-big-slash-daddy-guy. You can see the disgust at the Kirovs' faces in the sky. And she's looking down on me. Also, if she was a guy, she'd look like Armed Staring Dude.
I don't like the cover. For some reason it always seems like the comradette there has just farted a bear, a tesla...space-marine-slash-big-slash-daddy-guy. You can see the disgust at the Kirovs' faces in the sky. And she's looking down on me. Also, if she was a guy, she'd look like Armed Staring Dude.
Resident Evil 5
I don't know. I think there are plenty of games that have similar cover. Can't think of any at the moment though. Feel free to correct/support me.
I don't know. I think there are plenty of games that have similar cover. Can't think of any at the moment though. Feel free to correct/support me.
Unreal Tournament 3
Oh, look - Armed Staring Dude. With scenes of the game in the background. I like the three red streaks, though. I guess that's more original.
Oh, look - Armed Staring Dude. With scenes of the game in the background. I like the three red streaks, though. I guess that's more original.
The Witcher
Another one that's contender for "most original" cover, alongside Heavy Rain. Although, when I think about it, it's just just a symbol from the game on a plain background. I'm pretty sure other covers would also fit into that style.
Another one that's contender for "most original" cover, alongside Heavy Rain. Although, when I think about it, it's just just a symbol from the game on a plain background. I'm pretty sure other covers would also fit into that style.
Wolfenstein
Electrified (presumably) Nazi skeleton wants to shake hands with me over the title? Yeah, that is good.
Electrified (presumably) Nazi skeleton wants to shake hands with me over the title? Yeah, that is good.
Wolverine
You know what?
Finally - something I think should have totally been there:
Yeah. And it's cool to boot.
