Top Ten: Video Game Box Arts

Who says games aren’t art? Not Bradly.

By Bradly Halestorm. Posted 05/09/2012 14:30 8 Comments     ShareThis

9. Perfect Dark (Nintendo 64, 2000, Japanese release)

Perfect Dark Japanese Release artwork box art

(Full size)

This Japanese cover is pure bliss in the fact that it uses less to tell more. We aren’t presented with too much information here, but that’s ultimately why this iteration of Perfect Dark’s box art succeeds on such a magical level. We’re merely given a room lit in an ominous red – assumingly intended to depict the more visceral side of Joanna – and little more than the main character’s intrepid silhouette to portray the namelessness of her profession. Combining the elements of poignant evocation and intentional color use, this is without a doubt one of Nintendo’s most sophisticated yet suggestive covers of all time.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

8 Responses to “Top Ten: Video Game Box Arts”

  • 1244 points
    lukas85 says...

    Great, great article, what a tastefull selection. The japanesse box arts are always better. Just look at the metroid, and perfect dark box arts, just wow. I think the American Sin and Punishment box art is pretty damn cool too, and actually i think is on the same level of the japanese one. The first game hybryd ..something, has a good manga quality. The ffvi is just breathtaking , and the secret of mana just ..beautiful.

    I would include in this list a couple of favorites of mine.

    The japanese skyward sword box art
    Xenoblade
    Monster hunter 3 tri
    Mario galaxy 2
    And.. ( this is not a nindo one but what da hell)
    The japanesse ICO box art, inspired in De Chirico’s paintings.

    • 156 points
      Bradly Halestorm says...

      Thanks for the compliment, Luka! Had I included an “Honorable Mentions” category, Xenoblade surely would’ve been listed.

      As for ICO’s boxart, it’s one of my all-time favorites; only rivaled by Another World, which is also breathtakingly beautiful.

  • 7 points
    Katharine Byrne says...

    Nice article, Bradly! Loved all the different box art – definitely shows how great it can be compared to this kind of monstrosity! XD

  • 285 points
    Kyle England says...

    Cool selection! Secret of Mana has always had such captivating box art. But this list needs more Phalanx

  • 360 points
    M. Noah Ward says...

    Great choices! I was really surprised to see Hybrid Heaven on here… I actually own that game too! And I’m really happy Secret of Mana is on here because it really is one of the best of all-time. Now I need to go home and look at my games and see if there are any other honorable mentions I want to throw in…

  • 156 points
    Bradly Halestorm says...

    @Katharine Ugh, that IS a monstrosity.

    @Kyle Phalanx may or may not be featured in the Top 10 Worst Box Arts piece I plan on writing. ;]

    @Noah Finally, someone who knows Hybrid Heaven! Such an underrated RPG. That said, I’m interested in hearing which games you think should’ve made the list; be sure to write back and let me know!

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Log In 0 points Log in or register to grow your Ninja Score while interacting with our site.
Nintendojo's RSS Feeds

All Updates Podcast
News Comments
Like and follow usFacebookTwitter Friend Code Exchange + Game with Us Join the Team!