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Back before we became 4Player Podcast, we just ran a tiny little blog and gave our opinions. One of the features I used to do was called Cover Art Comparison, where I'd take the Cover Art of the same game from different regions and compare them. So with a little luck, I'll be able to keep up with this feature. I'm not sure how often it will be updated, but feel free to chime in on your opinions.
Today is the release for the new Sin & Punishment game. If you're unfamiliar with the series, it is a rail shooter created by the talented developer Treasure. The original Sin & Punishment came out for the N64 in Japan but we never got an official release here. It did eventually get released here via the Wii Virtual Console.
If you can't tell, the left side is the Japanese Version and the right side will be the North American Release, ie the ones you'll see in stores. Most of the times I did cover art comparison in the past, it was pretty clear cut. Either the Japanese Version sucked, or vice versa. In this one however, both are pretty well done. While I do like the art asthetic of the Japanese side, it doesn't really capture how the characters look in the actual game. And on the right side, I can't say that I'm a big fan of the color and font used for the title. I guess it just looks a bit odd.
But if I had to pick between the two, I'd pick the American release. One of the reasons would be that you can kinda tell what kind of game it is. On the Japanese side, it could be an adventure game for all you know, which I've had happen before, buying a game by the cover art thinking it was going to be some crazy action shooter only to have it be some sort of puzzle game. They're tricky with their art. I'll show you in a future post.
Thanks for reading,
David
Your thoughts?
Comments
14 years, 5 months ago
i've never played this game be4 so the 2nd person on the Japanese version thats not there on the american person is confusing me because it kinda looks like the same person tho i think the long boots gives me a hint that thats a girl.
anyway i cant really decide which i like better they both like like they were made by the same artist and i like how the Japanese version kinda lets you wonder whats going to happen in this game (obviously it will have guns)
14 years, 5 months ago
I think they're both awesome, this guy does amazing concept art. I'm glad the American release decided to stick with putting a piece of concept art on the cover, rather than put some stupid cg thing or half of someone's face or whatever other silly thing publishers tend to do when localizing a game for the states.
14 years, 5 months ago
Yeah the American logo's font and color just completely clash with the art, which made me immediately prefer the Japanese one on first glance. But you're right about the pros of the American cover as well, actually showing what the game might be like, even if it may be a bit crowded looking.
14 years, 5 months ago
Jet Set (Grind) Radio soundtrack album art! Nice!
14 years, 5 months ago
The US cover catches my eyes a bit more.
It kinda reminds me of the cover for Contra Alien Wars.
14 years, 5 months ago
I think the American boxart gives you a better idea of what the game's like, and will probably stand out on the wall of Wii game at GameStop. The Japanese version, while I still think it's good artwork, it makes the game look more like an RPG.
14 years, 5 months ago
I'd have to agree, David.
I like the American cover better overall because I feel like the presence of the monster and the angle at which you see the action just gives it this interesting look.
The Japanese cover just looks kinda generic and with the logo taking up half the cover there isn't much to see in terms of the art-work. With that said, the logo does look better than the American cover which is a good thing considering how much space it takes up, it'd stick out like a sore thumb if it was crappy.
14 years, 5 months ago
You pretty much hit the nail on the head, David. While I like both covers, the North American version just says "this is a shoot 'em up."
14 years, 5 months ago
Left = lame pretty boys
Right = eat your face
Obvious choice, people.
14 years, 5 months ago
I agree with you David. The left to me, and this is just my opinion, reminds me of the cover art for an rpg or action adventure. Every time i look at the left it just makes me think of a Japanese FF cover.
14 years, 5 months ago
i kinda like the left one better
i think the right one shows off the action that will take place in the game more, but still i like the subtlety and detailed background off the japanese one.
the american one is just right in your face monster,action, battle which tends to be more popular in th U.S
14 years, 5 months ago
Soundly agree. The American cover shows you straight up what you should expect.
The minimalistic approach is becoming too cliche'd. Its to the point where it gets hard to tell whether they're just going for the minimal style, or they're just being lazy.
The left cover is still pretty well done though.
14 years, 1 month ago
[...] Previous Comparison: Sin & Punishment: Star Successor [...]