ShareThis6. Double Dragon II (NES, 1989)
Double Dragon II is another ambitious piece that doubles as a precise representation of ’80s gaming meets societally relevant artwork. Much like the aforementioned, this illustration manages to convey the game’s objective expertly, without leaving your eyes uninterested. One can appreciate the overt themes at work here, and admire how seemingly to the point it is. With just a bunch of dudes kicking ass and saving a hot, blonde broad who looked like she just rolled in from a Whitesnake concert – torn skirt and all – it had what every adolescent male wanted: fighting, boobs and more fighting.
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.
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.
That another world box art is pretty impressive, what a powerful image, its very surrealistic too.
Nice article, Bradly! Loved all the different box art – definitely shows how great it can be compared to this kind of monstrosity! XD
Its so bad that it is good…no, actually its just bad.
Cool selection! Secret of Mana has always had such captivating box art. But this list needs more Phalanx
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…
@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!