The following example is for Gust's Atelier Escha & Logy, of course. The game, which is the 15th entry in the company's long-running Atelier series, will hit store shelves in Japan on June 27.
No joke: I'd very likely pick up a copy of this game without knowing a thing about it if it were released in North America with the exact same cover art.
The box art below, on the other hand, was produced for the Japanese retail release of Capcom's Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara (known there as Dungeons & Dragons: Mystara Hero Military History), which is due out on Aug. 22.
Although I don't believe I've ever played either of the arcade classics--1993's Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom and 1996's Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara--that will be included in this compilation, I'd strongly consider giving them a go if Chronicles of Mystara were given a physical release in my neck of the woods.
Last, but not least, we have the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn's slightly-cluttered-yet-still-brilliant box art. OK, so it's more than slightly cluttered. Still, I love it.
Of course, it looks as though it was created by Akihiko Yoshida--the man responsible for the amazing character art seen in (and on the covers of) games like Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy--so my unflinching support shouldn't be too surprising.
See also: other blog posts about brilliant box art
I recall playing one of the D&D arcade games when I was nine or so (and therefore absolutely awful at it), and so I was fairly excited for the ports, but now that I know that the digital-only release will be missing out on some great box art, my interest is a bit deflated. Thanks (also, fifteen Atelier games--who knew?). :(
ReplyDeleteThat first box art is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it, Justin? Really, all of the PS3 Atelier games have had great box art, but this one really takes the cake, in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteAre you still loving your PS3, by the way? Any new games you're playing on the system?
Aw, I didn't mean to deflate you, Matt! And, really, if you *must* have the awesome box art, couldn't you pick up the Japanese release and play it on your system? Just a thought. Of course, I don't fully understand how region-free or region-locked the PS3 is...
ReplyDeleteI love all of them, but I'm intolerably excited for Mystara and FFXIV ^^~
ReplyDeleteAww man, I had no idea Japan was getting a retail release of the D&D games! Seems like Westerners are getting a lot of these re-releases digitally-only. What an unfortunate trend this is.
ReplyDeleteStill, amazing box art all around. The FF14 box is probably my favorite, just because of that always-wonderful Yoshida. It's like an explosion of cuteness that manages to look noble and epic at the same time.
From what I can tell, the only region locked title for PS3 so far has been Persona 4 Arena. Chronicles of Mystara will most likely be region free.
ReplyDeleteWow, that D&D box is excellent. I'm really looking forward to this game (I'll be getting it on 360) but it's a shame this side of the world misses out on boxart like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm now secretly hoping Capcom does an Armored Warriors/Cyberbots double-pack just so it can get great box-art like this one!
Oh! I didn't know that, Isaac. Thanks for the info :)
ReplyDeleteWhy does this not surprise me, Kimimi? Does this mean you'll be picking up the Japanese release of Mystara, by the way, or are you going with the digital version for your region?
ReplyDeleteAm I really that predictable? :O I'll hopefully end up with both, even if the Mystara limited edition is *really* expensive ;_;
ReplyDeleteYeah, I find the trend to be a bit depressing, too, Kamiwoo. I mean, sure, it's nice that we're getting the games, and I'd rather only get digital versions than no game at all, but it would be nice if developers would at least try the retail route with a few of these games. Even a limited retail release would be a nice option, I think. Of course, what do I know? Maybe this is the only way it's even a possibility for some of these games.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm with you on Yoshida's stuff. Cute and noble and epic ALL describe his work perfectly, in my opinion.
Yes, it's definitely a shame us westerners are missing out on a lot of beautiful box art like this as of late. And I have a feeling that trend is only going to strengthen in the coming generation.
ReplyDeleteI've never played Armored Warriors/Cyberbots, sadly. They're 2D and pixel-based, too, right?
I look forward to hearing about your decision either way :)
ReplyDeleteAh, well, it seems that would make an interesting dual release then. Hopefully Capcom agrees with your idea :)
ReplyDeleteI've always kind of wanted kinda of wanted to try the Atelier series but reviews scores have kinda of scared me away from the series plus I haven't bought a PS3 due to not knowing much of PS4's backward compatibility situation and family issues are bleeding me dry so I really can't afford a buying new console now.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised it's review scores that have scared you away, Sam, as I've always thought they reviewed pretty well. I guess not?
ReplyDeleteRegardless, I know quite a few people who really enjoy them, and that alone makes me want to try at least one of them.
Of course, I also want to try an early one--such as one of the ones released for the original PlayStation. I have a feeling it'll be some time before I tackle one, though, as my Japanese learning is sloooooow-going at the moment :)
I know the scores themselves aren't bad it's just that they tend to be lower compared to other JRPGs like Pokemon Black/White(1/2), Final Fantasy XIII/XIII-2 (I know people thought it got bad reviews but it really didn't), Demon/Dark Souls, Dragon's Dogma, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, The Last Story, Pandora's Tower, and Xenoblade Chronicles (which I thought was overrated even though I enjoyed it) at least at the game sites I go to and due to family issues I've been only been buying games I'm 100% sure I'll enjoy. I'm sure I'll try one someday and I know my family will make it through their recent troubles allowing me to spend more money on myself
ReplyDeleteI love all of these! I'm particularly excited about Atelier Escha & Logy as it's the first time you'll be able to pick a male protagonist – apparently the two character's stories are a bit different, as well. I love the Atelier games but I did get a bit tired of playing as *yet another* cute girl, haha
ReplyDeleteReally tempted to pick up FFXIV just for that box... but I've never played an MMO before :/
I see what you mean. Sorry to hear about your family, by the way. I hope things turn around for all of you soon.
ReplyDeleteIt'll be interesting to hear just how different the male protagonist's story is, Anne. Are you planning to pick it up at some point?
ReplyDeleteAs for FFXIV: I'm in the same boat, as I love the box art yet have never played an MMO before. Sigh!
You two should buy it and come play with me - I'm a White Mage, I'll make sure you don't die (or at least get Raise'd if you do) ^^~
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah! Absolutely. I'm currently losing my way through Far Cry 3, and going to play Lollipop Chainsaw next, probably!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! And hopefully your 3DS will soon get some more love, what with AC: New Leaf releasing in a MATTER OF DAYS? AHHHH!!! :P
ReplyDeleteI may just do that, Kimimi! When's it going to be released in the States, though? Has it even been announced for release here? Also, I really have to get a PS3 soon. Maybe around the holidays?
ReplyDeleteOh, I agree. There's no way Capcom would leave the box art alone.
ReplyDeleteI think the mixed reviews stem from false expectations of the Atelier series by Western gamers... those who like it, really love it. And those who don't keep complaining about the same core gameplay elements (no epic RPG story, time limits, focus on alchemy instead of battles). I think the problem is that most ppl in the West got introduced to Atelier with the Iris series, which was kind of a test from the devs, to gain a larger audience, but instead of gaining one large audience they rather got an additional one that prefers traditional RPG gameplay over the micro-management RPG style of the traditional Atelier games. I think Escha & Logy is their try to finally make a game that will please both fanbases. I'm curious to see how this will play out... and how Tecmo Koei will handle the whole localisation deal this time around. ;>
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts, Miruki! You're definitely one of the people I know who like this series and have, as such, convinced me to give it a try at some point in the future. Anyway, I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts on Escha and Logy :)
ReplyDeleteIt's due out on Aug 27th in the US - you can even order it on Amazon!
ReplyDeleteOh! I didn't even know it had been announced for NA release. Anyway, I doubt I'll have a PS3 by then, but maybe later in the year or next year?
ReplyDeleteEschatology has a really great cover. The Premium Box is also beautiful, but that's Hidari's artwork for you.
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer his art over Kishida Mel's... (don't hurt me, Arland peeps) so yay...
I also really loved Ayesha - got totally addicted - so... yay, this game.
That isn't really true, though. The Iris series (so, A6-8) had male main characters. As did Mana Khemia (which is officially part of the Atelier main series, as they are A9 and A10).
ReplyDeleteInteresting stuff, kamion. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteI considered including the Premium Box art, too, kamion, but, honestly, I think I prefer the regular edition's box art to it!
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry, I should've specified in the PS3 Atelier games – I'm not familiar with the other ones >_<;; I'll have to go back and try those!
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Anne! I'm curious to learn more about these PS2 games myself :)
ReplyDeleteDang you, I've preordered D&D now. I prefer physical releases anyway, but that case (and the only $34 price point) sealed the deal.
ReplyDelete