Friday, August 19, 2011

More like Angry Kirby Mass Attack, amirite?

I don't know how many of you are aware of this, but for some strange reason Nintendo of America's designers are seemingly unable to produce a piece of Kirby box art without making the little pink blob look angry.

In fact, I'm pretty sure "angry Kirby" has shown up on all North American Kirby game boxes with the exception of Kirby's Epic Yarn.

Well, it seems that trend will continue with the upcoming DS title, Kirby Mass Attack (Atsumete! Kirby in Japan). Here's the cover of the Japanese version of the game, which hit the streets a few weeks ago:


And here's the cover of the North American version, which will be released on Sept. 19 (pre-order it here):


Although I generally roll my eyes at Nintendo of America's obsession with turning Kirby's smile into a frown, I'll refrain from doing that in regards to the cover art above--which I find quite captivating despite the main character's furrowed brow.

14 comments:

LottieTwintails said...

Silly Nintendo of America! Still, at least there are some non-disgruntled Kirbys on that box. So like you, I'm actually kind of impressed by this boxart.

Bryan Ochalla said...

You're right, Kamiwoo, there are some non-disgruntled Kirbys (Kirbi?) on this box art :)

I really like the comic book-ish quality to it, BTW. I also really like the little vignettes showing the Kirbys ganging up on some insect foes.

Anyway, I honestly think this box art has sold me on the game!

Marcus said...

Not only are there angry Kirbys but they are beating up on those creatures! I guess NOA just likes to make sure we know the little pink ball of a character is kick ass.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Yeah, I think Nintendo of America is obsessed with us thinking/knowing Kirby is a bad ass :)

Viewtiful_Justin said...

See, and here's another example of them taking a perfectly okay piece of box art and making something generic instead. Eh...I don't love it.

Bryan Ochalla said...

You think the NA art is generic? Huh. At the very least, it does a better job than the JP version of showing what the game is about, don't you think?

Viewtiful_Justin said...

Kind of. I'm surprised America didn't change the title to Kirby Beat Down.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Oh, well, I'm glad they didn't go with that name, Justin! The Japanese name, BTW, supposedly translates to something like "Gather! Kirby." Interesting, although I'm not sure that would have worked either...

Anonymous said...

But Angry Kirby is soooo much cute than happy Kirby! The Americans have the right idea ;D

Although I do prefer the Japanese box art this time, what with how the focus is on the bright yellow star and it is surrounded by all the different emotions of Kirby grabbing it.

Bryan Ochalla said...

You prefer Angry Kirby, Trxd? That's interesting!

As for preferring the Japanese box art this time -- I can see that. I like them both, really.

That said, I fully expected to hate the NA art, but was pleasantly surprised by it :)

Unknown said...

Dude, I totally never noticed that they do that and now it bugs the hell out of me. We are such assholes in this country that our marketing data demands this on our behalf.

Still... it is a nice box, like you said.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Yeah, it would be sad if it weren't so silly, Curtis. I used to think people were kidding when they mentioned this "angry Kirby phenomenon," but then I looked into it. Ugh.

In this particular instance, though, I'll embrace angry Kirby because I like the cover art so much.

Melody (Lizzi) said...

The european cover looks just like the japanese one.
I think it's totally super cute!
What I really love about the game is that you finally hear Kirby's voice in one of the new games!
Great!

Bryan Ochalla said...

You're right! I like both myself. BTW, you've reminded me that I really have to get back to playing this game...