Cover art thread

[Valhoven]

This pic was floated online in comparing TLoU II covers – context being which one prefers.

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Immediately thought how weak gaming cover art in general is. But, then, the film industry isn't any better. In fact, they probably take the mouldy cheese crown.

Star's face. Bam. Huge. Pastel and weird-looking. Surrounded by four floating heads. Co-stars. Then some blood puddling beneath them or a spaceship mid-launch in the background. Title is...wait for it – Return to Uranus III.

If I had to pick a best of lot, I'd think the music industry does cover art best (LPs, EPs, vinyls, digital); maybe there's more creative latitude there afforded visual designers and marketers – not sure. I don't think the argument can be made for creative power or imagination being a greater attractor in any one industry; they're all spaces for creatives.

Thoughts on this? Cover art faves?

 

[Valhoven]

Great cover from recent years was Spain's Blasphemous. Awesome lines, framing, palette:

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[Richmma80]

 

[Mack Yancy]

Sega Mega Drive/Genesis sweeps this category.

 

[Law Talkin’ Guy]

Honestly it’s easier to think of examples of horrible video game cover art. Probably the worst that comes to mind would be Planescape: Torment. Amazing game. Amazingly horrible cover art. I can only imagine how many millions of dollars of lost sales they have due to that cover art.

I remember it putting me off. My oldest brother got it for me for Christmas in 1999. I didn’t play it for an entire year, thought it looked like shit, but when I finally play it over Christmas holidays in 2000 it was one of the best game narratives I’ve experienced.

10/10 game
2/10 game cover art

 

[My Spot]

Honestly it’s easier to think of examples of horrible video game cover art. Probably the worst that comes to mind would be Planescape: Torment. Amazing game. Amazingly horrible cover art. I can only imagine how many millions of dollars of lost sales they have due to that cover art.

I remember it putting me off. My oldest brother got it for me for Christmas in 1999. I didn’t play it for an entire year, thought it looked like shit, but when I finally play it over Christmas holidays in 2000 it was one of the best game narratives I’ve experienced.

10/10 game
2/10 game cover art

I always think of Suikoden when it comes to great games with horrible box art. Almost looks like some 80s or 90s romance novel. Already had an uphill climb because JRPGs were niche in the US before FF7 but I bet this didn't help.

Honorable mention for this:

 

[WhiteMousse]

 

[WhiteMousse]

 

[My Spot]

Too bad that wasn't the cover here when it first came out.

 

[WhiteMousse]

Too bad that wasn't the cover here when it first came out.

Wait I don't understand. When it first came out? I thought it was. Are you saying you wish it came out first with the III cover, or are you saying you wish the localization came out with the JP cover?

 

[GearSolidMetal]

This would be an interesting thread if it was in Mayberry, but since it was made in the VG forum its going be just VG cover art.

 

[Valhoven]

Nice. I’ve listened to metal my entire life and with gaming being a like passion, I naturally in this vein would like to more merge the two. Box art like below would arrest my attention and pique curiosity every time. Instead we get art in spectacularly disappointing fashion like in OP.

Spoiler: Size

Spoiler: Size

Spoiler: Size

Spoiler: Size

 

[Valhoven]

Too bad that wasn't the cover here when it first came out.

I’ve said this many times here but this was, is, and always will be one of the top 3 all-time games for me. Just magical.

 

[Valhoven]

This would be an interesting thread if it was in Mayberry, but since it was made in the VG forum its going be just VG cover art.

VG > Berry, unequivocally. Best turbokrew in-Community right here.

 

[WhiteMousse]

I’ve said this many times here but this was, is, and always will be one of the top 3 all-time games for me. Just magical.

I played it when I was 13 and my world exploded. I didn't have very many friends at that age and the game had nuanced and wonderfully told strokes of loss and grief. Top 3 for me as well. Hard to beat that game

 

[SaigeVanZant]

Ufc posters

 

[Kaybee]

Yeah come to think of it there aren't really many "great" video game cover art like there is with music. It isn't quite as formulaic as it is with movies other than the likes of sports games, but it's hard to think of many good examples.

I think the GTA series qualifies though. Each cover shows a lot without feeling cluttered and the style is simply clean and iconic and has been spoofed countlessly.

 

[Mack Yancy]

My personal fave. Kinda looks like @Handsome Goku lol

 

[Dizzy]

I’m gonna go with video game covers. Even when they’re bad they’re memorable.

 

[Valhoven]

I’m gonna go with video game covers. Even when they’re bad they’re memorable.

True, actually. I remember all the Ninja Gaiden covers after all these years but…they were always so cheese.