And we’re back for another edition of Box Art Brawl, the weekly poll where you vote for your favourite classic (or sometimes not-so-classic) retro video game box art variant from around the world.
Last week we checked in with Dr. Mario on the Game Boy (and NES) 30 years on from its original release. In the end, it was the Dr. “Nick Riviera” Mario from the European / North American cover that gained your confidence and won over 70% of your votes, while the more learned, professor-like Japanese Dr. Mario failed to gain your trust.
This week we’re looking at another game that recently celebrated an anniversary: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island on the Super NES, which turned 25 years old on Wednesday 5th August 2020.
So, grab the baby and whatever you do, don’t let go of it! Let’s see what Yoshi’s cookin’…
Europe / North America
We begin in the West, specifically with the North American variant. Around Europe there were several versions which removed the ‘Only For’ corner tear and changed the black border to yellow (or red for the Player’s Choice version), but they all used the same logo and the same art.
The big blue monster, known as a Nep-Enut, really makes this cover pop, and Yoshi and Baby Mario image give an idea of the game’s gorgeous art style. We feel it could have done a better job of showcasing just what a looker Yoshi’s Island is, though. Using an egg for the ‘O’ in Yoshi is a no-brainer (too obvious, perhaps?), but the logo is otherwise a bit messy.
Saved by the big blue monster, we’d say, but could do better.
Japan
The Japanese cover of ‘Yossy Island’ gives you a better idea of the pastel-shaded visuals awaiting you on the cart. The multicoloured pack of Yoshi(s?) look suitably adorable and even the whining bubble-bound Baby Mario is relatively cute. Mainly because he’s silent.
Add a background showing the island with little fluffy clouds, and a big chunky logo with a folded green ribbon (as opposed to the flat yellow version on the other cover), and this is a strong contender in this week’s brawl. Can it take the belt, though?
So, which one is the best? Pick your favourite from the two options below and click ‘Vote’ to let us know:
Third week in a row with a Duel? It’s almost like we’ve dried up on the three-ways! Fear not, they will return – there’s just been a spate of anniversaries and we like to be topical, like. Have a wonderful week and we’ll see you next time.
https://www.sickgaming.net/blog/2020/08/...is-island/