And we’re back for another edition of Box Art Brawl, the weekly interview where you vote for your favorite classic (or sometimes not-so-classic) retro video game art variation from around the world.
Last week we checked with Dr. Mario on the Game Boy (and NES) 30 years since the original release. In the end, it was the Dr. “Nick Riviera” Mario from the European / North American coverage that gained your trust and won more than 70% of your votes, while the more scholarly, professor-like Japanese Dr. Mario failed to trust you.
This week we look at another game that recently celebrated an anniversary: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island at the Super NES, which turned 25 on Wednesday, August 5, 2020.
So, grab the baby and whatever you do, do not let it go! Let’s see what Yoshi cookin ‘…
Europe / North America
We start in the West, specifically with the North American variant. Around Europe, there were several versions that removed the ‘Only For’ corner tear and changed the black border to yellow (as 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 beautiful art style of the game. We feel it could have done a better job of presenting what Yoshi’s island is like. Using an egg for the ‘O’ in Yoshi is a no-brainer (too apparently, maybe?), But the logo is otherwise a bit messy.
Saved by the big blue monster, we would say, but could do better.
Japan
The Japanese cover of ‘Yossy Island’ gives you a better idea of the pastel-painting images that await you. The multicolored package Yoshi (s?) Looks appropriately adorant and even the crying bubble-bound Baby Mario is relatively fun. Especially since he’s quiet.
Add a backdrop that shows the island with small fluffy clouds, and a large chunky logo with a dressed up green ribbon (as opposed to the flat yellow version on the other cover), and this is a strong controversy in the brawl of this week. Can it take the belt, though?
So, which is the best? Choose your favorite 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 dried in the three ways! Fear not, they will return – there has just been a spot of birthdays and we want to be up to date, as well. Have a wonderful week and we will see you next time.
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