Topic: 3DS Box Art Discussion

With all this recent talk of retail vs digital purchases, I decided to check out my 3DS game collection's various box art, and figured I'd start a thread about the topic.

Least favorites:

• Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater (This one's box art isn't terrible by any means, but the way it's presented, with a random picture of Snake on the right & a spray of bullets on the left, comes off looking a bit like some mock up photoshop, IMO)
• Dead or Alive Dimensions (Didn't seem like much thought was put into it, as it appears to be a generic promotional image with a logo slapped on. At least it's filled with energy)
• Mario Kart 7 (The same as above, but without the fiersome energy)

Favorites:

• Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (The image itself normally wouldn't be that special, in fact, it could have easily fallen into the same category as DOAD's & MK7's box art, but that sleeve gives it a unique charm. It was neat seeing that faux 3D effect, gearing you up for that new experience)
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (Unfortunately, most of this box's real estate is taken up by a gigantic logo, but the small hand drawn image of Link rearing for battle on Epona adds an undeniable charm)
• Tales of the Abyss (This is just a bunch of smile inducing hand drawn art. It's just a simple depiction of the main cast, but it, and admittedly quite a bit of 3DS box art, is a breath of fresh air amongst the growing number of games that just slap a logo on top of a promotional image)
• Paper Mario: Sticker Star (At first it looks like a cluttered mess, but it kinda looks like a spattering of materials one would have laying around while putting together a collage, which is quite fitting)
• Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance (It isn't as striking as the box art for either of the main two entries on PS2, but it's still beautifully hand drawn, and the characters slowly drifting down sets the tone for the game's narrative. Also, the logo was shrunk and neatly put into a corner, giving the art center stage)
• Fire Emblem: Awakening (Yet another case of fantastic hand drawn art, and what I believe to be the pinnacle of 3DS box art, from what I've experienced. You have a very stylish image of the game's cast rushing into action, with the logo again neatly put into a corner, even if it's still a bit more prominent than KH:DDD's logo. What sets it apart though is that shiny background, that truly makes it seem special)

These aren't all the games I have/had, but these are the ones' whose box art I felt was worth mentioning for some reason or another. (and it's not a critique of the actual games themselves).

So, feel free to discuss your favorite, and not so favorite, 3DS box art!

The UK version of Ocarina of Time 3D is much better than the US version, imo.

I really love the Kid Icarus: Uprising cover art. It's easily the best 3DS cover art. Beautiful and well drawn.
The Pokemon X and Y covers look fantastic too! I love the art for the legendaries and the background art adds a nice touch.

I feel like Resident Evil: Revelations is a good eye-catcher, but uninformative.

The sleeve for Cave Story 3D makes a mediocre box amazing.

And that's all I have.

Agree. If I ever get this game I would be tempted to print out a picture of the UK cover just so I can put that in my case.

I don't really remember any Resident Evil game that featured important information in it's box art.

My favorite box art? I don't really remember how most of my 3DS cases look to be honest... Maybe Art Academy, Nintendogs or Theatrhythm?

Oh yeah I forgot to say my favorite. I would have to say out of the ones I own this would have to be my favorite.

3 words: ANGRY KIRBY EYEBROWS!!!

http://www.n-sider.com/images/inline_images/inline-4-407-3.jpg

You love n-sider dot com?

Some very good mentions here!

I was thinking about mentioning KI:U's box art, but while I do enjoy it's hand drawn style, I personally find it to be my least favorite hand drawn 3DS box. Still good, though.

Man, that Castlevania box art is wonderful. I'm still hoping to pick it up one of these days.

my favorites would have to be (in no particular order):

• Kid Icarus: Uprising
• Ocarina of Time 3D
• Etrian Odyssey IV
• SMT: Devil Survivor: Overclocked
• Shin Megami Tensei IV (not out yet but the cover art looks awesome)
• Tales of the Abyss
• Fire Emblem Awakening

Those are the cream of the crop in my opinion. simply awesome :3

Favorite Box Art:
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Fire Emblem: Awakening
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Kingdom Hearts 3D
New Super Mario Bros. 2
Paper Mario: Sticker Star
Pokemon Rumble Blast
Sonic Generations
StarFox 64 3D
Super Mario 3D Land

I don't own these games, but I always thought Project X Zone and Virtue's Last Reward have excellent boxarts.

Resident evil 4

Nah. I was using them for the pictures

Code of Princess's American box art was the reason why the game did so poorly before being put on to the eShop as a digital download. The JP boxart had the entire cast on the cover while the US box had nothing but the half naked protagonist on the cover. I was getting another game at the same time I got it so it didn't seem as awkward for me though.

I guess you never heard the saying sex sells?

Favorite Box arts:
Luigi's Mansion Dark moon was a good one, with Luigi putting his hands on the 3Ds side.
Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy I like because all the characters and enemies looked like they were going to battle.
Super Mario 3D Land: Showing you what the game looks like on the cover.
Scribblenauts Unlimited: Maxwell and the others look in real life form, unlike their past box arts in from previous games.
Project X Zone: All the characters look like their ready for adventure, which I thought was pretty cool looking.

Ocarina Of Time 3D looks amazing

Luigi's Mansion 2 loog great as well, and glows in the dark!

I think those are my favorites thus far.

EO:IV is my favorite 3DS box art.

My favorites are the box art for Kingdom Hearts 3D and DCKR 3D.
I also like the box art for Project X Zone and Pokemon Mystery dungeon Gates to Infinity