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Yes, there is a difference between the North American, European and Japanese box art for Samus’ most famed adventure, and I’m inclined to believe it’s the way in which the box itself is oriented. Both the US and EU versions of Super Metroid look similar to the Japanese release, and yet the horizontal orientation of the boxes distributed in these regions seemingly suck the magic right out of the image. Due to the vertical nature of the Japanese Super Famicon box, the placement of the title here is both more appealing and more sensible – as it does not detract from the illustrated scene itself – and the size of the cavern can be more exaggerated and remarkably expressed due to the exclusive benefits of the vertical case. Not only that, the detail of the creatures and environment in the background is more noticeable, which can perhaps be attributed to the box alignment as well, and the space provided because of it. There also seems to be a more captivating sense of movement with how Samus is animated in the Japanese release. On a more personal note, I especially love how vivid the bounty hunter’s armor looks placed right above the scarlet colored stripe that finishes off the bottom of the box. It’s just downright classy looking.
Top Ten: Video Game Box Arts
Who says games aren’t art? Not Bradly.
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Issue 101: Business as Usual
Issue 101: Business as Usual
- Review: Pandora's Tower by Katharine Byrne
- Week: End Game: On 05.12.2012 by Katharine Byrne
- The Devolution of Pro Evolution Soccer by Lewis Hampson
- Nightly News Roundup: 05.11.2012 by Dustin Grissom
- Fan Service: The 5 Stupidest Flame Wars by Mel Turnquist
- Nightly News Roundup: 05.10.2012 by Kevin Knezevic
- Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion Interview by Evan Campbell
- Nightly News Roundup: 05.09.2012 by Michael Contino
- Airship Travelogues Episode 019: The Roper Report by M. Noah Ward
- Nightly News Roundup 05.08.2012 by Joseph Nelson
- Another Castle: The Empathy Problem by Katharine Byrne
- Nightly News Roundup: 05.07.2012 by Bradly Halestorm
- Poll: The Future of Nintendojo by Adam Sorice
8 Responses to “Top Ten: Video Game Box Arts”
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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!