Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Let's Play: 'Which Box Art is Better?' (Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D edition)

Full disclosure: I know next to nothing about Biohazard/Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D.

Oh, I've seen all of the trailers Capcom has released for it, but other than that I can't say I know much about this upcoming 3DS release and how it differs from, say, Biohazard/Resident Evil 5 or any other entry in the series.

So why am I publishing this post about the game? Because the art that will grace the cover of the Japanese version of the game (release date: June 2) differs quite a bit from the art that will grace the cover of its North American counterpart (June 28), that's why.

Speaking of which, here's the Japanese box art:


And here's the North American box art:


Although the latter is suitably dramatic and surely will appeal to North American gamers, I prefer the former's more subtle approach to the subject matter.

Which one do you prefer?

See also: Previous 'Which Box Art is Better?' posts

15 comments:

LottieTwintails said...

I definitely lime the Japanese cover this time around. Not only does it seem more "epic", but I think the black "Nintendo 3DS" strip on the side looks better than the NA version's white one.

Viewtiful_Justin said...

Oh, this one's a toughie...it all boils down to the strip. I love the black strip, like Kamiwoo, but I like the NA art better. Dang. It's a draw.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Kamiwoo: Ah, yes, the black strip. I like that better, too! It adds a bit of drama to the whole affair, doesn't it?

Bryan Ochalla said...

Fair enough, Justin! What is it that you like better about the NA art, BTW? I'm curious!

Viewtiful_Justin said...

I just think it's more focused and indicative of the experience you're about to get. Not to mention it's less washed out and more vibrant!

Bryan Ochalla said...

Yes, it's definitely all of those things. Too bad the NA version won't have the black strip, too...

Anonymous said...

The American one definitely appeals more to me, but then i generally play Resident Evil to shoot big scary things and its awesome, I don't care about the characters or the storyline (sorry, but that's only really true with this series).

I also definitely prefer the black strip to the white strip, the white strip is too sticky outy :(

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, another vote for the North American cover! Seems the voting is about even at this point -- although everyone seems to prefer the black "Nintendo 3DS" strip along the side.

Unknown said...

I quite like the Japanese cover! Something about the more subtle colors, and it gives more of the feel of all the characters you know from the series fighting off hordes of enemies, which is what Mercenaries is about, right? (I don't know much about it either, hah)

Also, great blog, by the way! I just followed you :) If you ever want to check out my blog, I also write about video games (most of the time)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hello, apricotsushi -- and welcome to my blog :) (You have a great screen name, by the way!)

Anyway, I agree with you about the Japanese cover. I really like the more subtle use of color and imagery. And, like you said, it seems to do a good job of portraying what the game is all about.

Thank you, BTW, for following me! I just checked out your blog -- and now I'm following you, too. I'll be sure to come back often :)

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Unknown said...

Thanks Bryan!

J said...

The Japanese artwork is better to me. It fits the Mercenaries becuz the axe guy is not the end all be all of the entire experience. It's obvious and cheap, and represents what i hate about western gaming.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, J! I like people who have strong opinions :)

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