#box arts

Just a small post to bring up five Sonic the Hedgehog video games that did serious stories right, not only by making the serious tone mean something and keeping it consistent, but by not degrading into dumb-dark territory with the delusion that it makes the story a mature work of art, and having a good grasp on the characters and how they’re supposed to be written. After all these years, they show (on some level) that seriousness in Sonic can work.

Little Unassuming Box of Surprises

Just before I take a break from making boxes and go back to starting work for bookbinding commissions again, here is one little unassuming box that I made, inspired by Bep van Gasteren’s Surprise Box.

This is similar to hers except that I made the box only open in half, with triangle top and bottom. I did not make any plans for the size of the box, but it happened to be in almost the exact size for this tile patterned paper that I had. So I went ahead and use the tiles to feature the sides and the bottom of each tray. 

After multiple non-squared boxes, I made sure that I was as accurate as I could for this box, since it was made up of square trays and a rectangle outer box. To my surprise, I was too accurate and the box is an air-tight fit. I also tried using a mitre cutter that was meant for woodworking, to cut the mitred edge of the outer box that meets the triangle base and top. 

The Nintendo Entertainment System, otherwise known as the NES, is home to some of the greatest and most influential games in the history of Video Gaming. Super Mario, Metroid, Zelda, Kirby, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Castlevania, Punch-Out....seriously the list goes on and on with classic titles. But what is a classic title without some pretty impressive covers to go along with the game? That's why I decided to create a list of the best box arts to grace this classic system, and believe me this was no easy task. There are literally thousands of games to choose from, but here are some of my personal favorites.

10. Contra

This was a pretty badass cover art. Basically, two ripped dudes with big guns taking down the scum of the universe while wearing colored bandannas. Not to mention that legendary logo for both Konami and the Contra sign.

9. Gradius

You will notice a running trend in Konami box arts on this list, they really do have the most badass and detailed out of all box arts. This one was no exception but there was a clear ripoff of the Star Destroyer from Star Wars dead stamp in the middle of the box, but once again the attention to detail is clearly evident.

8. Bionic Commando

Basic and straight to the point, this cover was all types of WTF. Just a dude swinging like Errol Flynn across some war torn battlefield fighting robots and faceless soldiers. A true kick ass and take names type of cover.

7. Mike Tyson's Punch Out

At the time when this first released, this was one hell of a cover. Just the legendary Mike Tyson, a helpless victim and a dumbfounded referee. It was the closest thing to a free pay-per-view match as any.

6. Baseball Stars

One of SNK's earliest titles and one of the best sports sims around at the time, Baseball Stars was just like its cover: wacky, intense and full of home runs.

5. Contra Force

Yes. More of this please and thank you. Check out the testosterone in this one scene alone. Sure the game was a complete and utter failed departure for the series but still this more than redeems it's terrible gameplay. Like a bad day in Chicago or something.

4. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

This was a pretty damn good Castlevania cover, not to mention the 2nd best in the series in terms of good gameplay. What really pissed me off is that gigantic sticker on the box for some bullshit excuse of a sweepstakes. Even more insulting is that I think Alucard was the poor sucker to be covered up from this legendary team-up.

3. Super Mario Bros. 3

I get a huge kick of nostalgia every time I see this cover. Just Mario being Mario, flying around with glee and a raccoon tail (Tanooki tail). It makes well use of all the bright colors and the tag line really did live up to its hook, this was the most exciting Mario adventure.....yet.

2. Dragon Warrior (Dragon Quest in Japan)

This was a pure work of art, it almost has a slight art gallery feel to it. The slight beam of light peering from the sword, that terrifying dragon, the knight in armor ready to take down the beast; every thing about this cover is a marvel to look at and if you can find the original one intact then you are God in my eyes.

1. The Legend Of Zelda