I usually prefer the Japanese covers, mostly because I remember the days when game companies would go far out of their way to remove any hint of anime vibes from NA/EU covers (and sometimes even removing anime "vibes" from the games themselves). I love both covers here, but I prefer the NA/EU. It is not only anime in appearance, but it's also elegant in its simplicity. I have heard some express umbrage regarding the "rosy cheeks." We have to remember that "Mega Man" was inspired by another Japanese icon: Astro Boy (who is often also depicted with rosy cheeks). But when I think back to the Mega Man 2 cover (and shudder), I realize rather quickly that this entire debate is a first world problem!!
It's never fun having the unpopular opinion. But here I am. There is something about the Western version that I admire (and not just nostalgia). Not only is it elegant in its simplicity, but it's also unapologetically "kawaii" in an era when game developers were very insecure and went way out of their way to hide aspects of Japanese culture. Many game developers seemed to assume Western gamers had fragile egos and anything remotely "cute," "childish," or "girly" would somehow make them run away in abject terror (although to be fair some people really were this insecure). And from what I understand, Final Fantasy 3 wasn't even released in Europe at the time so those in NA were very lucky to get a version.
Comments 2
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl: Duel - Mega Man X
I usually prefer the Japanese covers, mostly because I remember the days when game companies would go far out of their way to remove any hint of anime vibes from NA/EU covers (and sometimes even removing anime "vibes" from the games themselves). I love both covers here, but I prefer the NA/EU. It is not only anime in appearance, but it's also elegant in its simplicity. I have heard some express umbrage regarding the "rosy cheeks." We have to remember that "Mega Man" was inspired by another Japanese icon: Astro Boy (who is often also depicted with rosy cheeks). But when I think back to the Mega Man 2 cover (and shudder), I realize rather quickly that this entire debate is a first world problem!!
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl: Duel #101 - Final Fantasy VI
It's never fun having the unpopular opinion. But here I am. There is something about the Western version that I admire (and not just nostalgia). Not only is it elegant in its simplicity, but it's also unapologetically "kawaii" in an era when game developers were very insecure and went way out of their way to hide aspects of Japanese culture. Many game developers seemed to assume Western gamers had fragile egos and anything remotely "cute," "childish," or "girly" would somehow make them run away in abject terror (although to be fair some people really were this insecure). And from what I understand, Final Fantasy 3 wasn't even released in Europe at the time so those in NA were very lucky to get a version.