John-ShepardIt's always interesting to see the box art for high-profile games, and it's even more interesting to compare it to different designs chosen for other regions.
As most of you know by now, the highly anticipated PlayStation 3 exclusive, Heavy Rain , will launch in North America on February 23. We've also seen examples of the European box art before; it features nothing but a symbolic, bloodstained Origami crane, obviously referring to the Origami Killer featured in the game's storyline. Well, as you can see, the North American box art shows that as well but also tosses in pictures of each of the four main characters. Madison, the curvaceous investigative reporter already seen in some early videos (that nude scene definitely garnered plenty of attention), clearly has the spotlight, although you will see the story from other viewpoints as well. Analysts and publishers ardently believe that box art matters in terms of potential sales, although I think we can all agree this pertains more to impulse buys. Most who have resolved to buy Heavy Rain will almost undoubtedly buy it, regardless of the design on the case. But when it comes to those who are on the fence, box art that catches the eye when on store shelves is a definite benefit.
So what do you think? Do you like the North American or European box art better? The latter is more understated but then again, Americans seem to be missing subtlety a lot more these days (no offense, or anything).
Related Game(s): Heavy Rain
I LIKE IT!
This could probably be one of the best game I won't buy because I'm an action kind of guy so Heavy Rain will be no for me.
As for the box art, I think I prefer the European one since it feels like there's more mystery behind it.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 1/12/2010 3:07:22 AM
i like the euro box art better
I say the box art can be summarized by one word…
"meh"
It's one of those covers that could definitely be better, but it isn't so horrible that you can't deal with it.
once again am glad ill be getting the european version of a game.
Tacky
not bad but it should have just been the origami crane on a black background. simple but effective.
Obviously I'm going to think that the European box art is better with it's sweet-ass lenticular packaging and all, but this North American one isn't too shabby. Still though, the box art alone is the reason why I'm probably going to be importing Heavy Rain from Europe.
Really, you're like a toddler, more fascinated by the rapping paper than the present.
Last edited by Vivi_Gamer on 1/12/2010 6:33:23 AM
If I was more fascinated about the Wrapping paper than the present, I'd buy it and throw the disc away. I'm PUMPED for this game. Have been for a long time now. So, if I have the option to buy two versions, one with a cooler cover, I'll buy that one. What's the difference? Either way, I get the "present".
I think Ultima understood you. He said above that he considered the U.S. cover art to be "tacky" and you stated that you prefer the European cover. Then, he compares you to a toddler. LOL
I prefer the European cover art but I understand why they went with this cover for the U.S. market. They have to do what they can to get the consumer interest over here.
Yes the cover art is crap (lets be honest here.) but i wouldnt go to the effort to import the game over a cover….
Hmm… looks like I won't be importing it, either. Never realized that DLC is not region-free. If I bought this from the UK, I'd have to go through the trouble of also buying a UK PSN card just so I could pick up the Chronicles episodes later. That sucks.
Oh, well. Either way, I still get to play the game on Feb. 23rd! =)
Well, it has nice cleavage.
I like it !! can't wait!
beautiful…
I don't know why most don't like it…I like it *shrug*
I like this version. I know lots of people like the version with just the origami on it, but that won't help sell copies. People are lazy enough to look at that plain and simple cover and won't be even drawn in to look at the back. It would get completely passed by.
I do find it head shakingly perplexing that people would be such anal nitpickers as to order a version from a different territory simply for the cover. If it means that much, just make up your version and print it out as a replacement. After getting back from your therapist, of course.
I too prefer the European version, simplistic and still creating that dreadfull atmosphere.
Next to that, I don't think Madison, thought it was madison, anyway, that girl, doesn't look that good at all, so double win for me living in europe. -1 win for the price rate though…
Btw, I think boxart is quite important, it's something you show the games off with. Like when someone comes to your house, and he/she be saying, I don't think Heavy Rain is all that cool, and then you show that awesome boxart and they be like *OMG it was cool after all* and then you be like *pimp slap* and then *WIN*
I wasn't going to get this game right away, but now that I've seen the box art…
Last edited by Alienange on 1/12/2010 9:04:53 AM
Cool
At least I'm glad it doesn't have all those awards plastered all over the bottom.
(my opinion is that they should have been on the back of the box on the original cover art)
i like it
hello …
nice art …
i need to decide where i will import that game from! i can't wait for it.
cheers!
The one game that I bought instinctively in recent times because of the box art was Mirror's Edge.
Of the more recent lot, I think Assassin's Creed II and Modern Warfare 2 have the most appealing box art.
Gotta say I like the European version better. Maybe not enough to import it though.
Looks slick.
But then again, I have been one to purchase a game because the box art looks good.
I sure hope people don't do that.
While we're on the topic of box art, am I the only one who thinks the box art for the first Uncharted was WAY better than the box art for the second game? The second's cover just looked like a screenshot. The first game had that cool Indiana Jones vibe to the cover.
Anyway, back to Heavy Rain…
EU version is a whole lot better. Sometimes less is more, and throwing all the crap on the US cover just makes it ugly.
I just read over at the Playstation Blog that there's probably going to be an option to print off the EU cover art to replace the NA one. Pretty cool.
what kind of paper do you buy? To Print a different game cover? Can you find that in Staples or Office Depot?
HATE IT. The last box cover effectively portrayed the ambience of the game; but this cover only gives the basic information about the game-4 characters trying to solve a puzzle. The last cover portrayed the connotations of the game, but this portrays on the denotations of the game. In my perspective, connotation is just as important as the denotations of the game. I am more interested in the feelings the game will invoke in me; rather than who does it i.e. characters….
I like the cover i think its realy good although i like the european one better (not sure which cover was shown on the site befor) im not gona complain though they can do what ever they want to the cover all that matters is whats inside the cover