Most Despicable Product Placement in a Game

When we race by a Valvoline ad at 100 miles per hour, we don't bat an eyelash. But some games are starting to get a little too bold with their product placement, to the point where it disrupts the gaming experience and, at worst, cheapens the entire feel of the game. Here's the deal--we'll accept product placement in games if it translates into cheaper retail prices. Until then, though, we're pleased to call your attention to the five finalists for our first annual Most Despicable Product Placement in a Game in a Game award.

Devil May Cry 2 (PS2)

Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
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Did you finally unlock Dante's extra outfit? Congratulations, you've just unlocked a clothing ad.

Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure (XBOX, GC, PS2)

Publisher: Activision
Developer: Toys for Bob
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What really makes this one egregious is that one of your goals is to go around and collect ring tones for a cell phone that is showcased right down to the model number.

Enter the Matrix (PC, XBOX, GC, PS2)

Publisher: Atari
Developer: Shiny Entertainment
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Did you know that the Matrix runs best on a specific processor and video card? And here all this time you thought it just needed human batteries...

RLH (XBOX, PS2)

Publisher: Interplay
Developer: Digital Mayhem
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In the future, the energy drink flaunted in this game has grown popular enough to have its own vending machines...everywhere.

Tony Hawk's Underground (XBOX, GC, PS2)

Publisher: Activision
Developer: Neversoft Entertainment
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There's simply nothing "underground" about unlocking a character that serves as little more than a DVD advertisement.

And the Winner is...