Even when I didn't like this arcade classic, though, I wanted to like it thanks to the wonderfully colorful cover art that was created for many of its console ports.
For instance, the Famicom version's box art, below, features a number of the game's characters crafted out of what looks like clay (or is it wood?).
The art that graces the cover of the FM Towns port, on the other hand, is two-dimensionally cartoonish.
The Mega Drive version's box art spotlights the game's various islands (each of which has a different theme) as well as a particularly bright-eyed and rosy-cheeked take on its protagonist, Bubby.
Speaking of Bubby, the cherubic character takes up a ton of acreage on the PC Engine CD-ROM2 port's cheerful cover.
The art that appears on the PC Engine release's box is my least favorite of the bunch, by the way. Which one is my most favorite? The Famicom version's--although I have to admit that I like the FM Towns and Mega Drive versions' box art quite a bit, too.
Now that I've had my say, which piece of Rainbow Islands box art do you like best?
See also: Previous 'Which Box Art is Better?' posts
19 comments:
I'd say that for me, I like the megadrive art but I think its cause I like that that version has some darius references in it :P
Oh, I hear ya, Motherplayer -- the MD version's box art is sweet. Also, I like the "Extra" version -- which has the Darius references in it -- of this game, too :)
The Famicom one of course:) Though actually I agree about the Mega Drive one looking quite good, those islands really add a lot to the cover.
Yes, of course you prefer the Famicom one, Sean :) That said, I think it would be hard for someone to call it a bad example of box art. As for the Mega Drive version -- I'll bet it's nicer in person, actually. This particular scan seems kind of fuzzy/dark to me...
I love the Famicom cover! I'd not seen it before but that's definitely become my favourite.
I think the MD cover wraps all the way around the case, I always liked cover art that did that.
Yes, you're right, Kimimi -- the MD art wraps around from the back side of the case. I'm guessing it shows all of the game's islands?
The last time I really played Rainbow Islands was on the Amiga, so I really couldn't tell you now :S
Oh, the first one, for sure. I'm a sucker for a model photo. That's why I loved the Earthbound player's guide so much...clay models! It just screams loving care.
But that second one with the angry looking Bub in the background is cute, too.
On the Amiga, eh, Kimimi! God, how I wanted one of those back in the day. I used to buy computer gaming mags along with console gaming ones, and I always drooled over the Amiga games :)
Ah, the Earthbound Player's Guide! I want one, Justin. Too bad they probably cost an arm and a leg these days. Ugh. Maybe I can find scans on line...
Anyway, yes, the FM Towns cover art is pretty great, too, IMO :)
Back at the time you weren't considered a gamer here without a C64 or an Amiga in your home :D
Still got one, they're wonderful machines.
Yeah, Amiga's were a lot bigger there than they were here, weren't they? The only computer I ever gamed on as a kid was an Apple IIe :) Oh, and later a bare-bones PC. I've never been much of a PC gamer, though.
Oh yes, they were *huge* here! If you fancy a browse through the library I recommend a trip to http://hol.abime.net/ :)
Ah, thanks for the link, Kimimi! I'll check it out in a bit :)
I think the Famicom box art is the coolest one. :) Looks awesome!
Kimimi: I did also play Rainbow Islands on the Amiga, but it was not among my favourite games. I was more into Parasol Stars: The Story of Rainbow Islands 2 instead. That was one cool platform game with multiplayer support. :)
Bryan: The Amiga is still alive. There's a lot of interesting stuff going on these days. New hardware, software, cool FPGA projects.. :)
Hey there, OSGB! I'm kind of surprised you prefer Parasol Stars over Rainbow Islands. Although, if the main reason you prefer the former over the latter is the multiplayer aspect, I can understand that :)
Anyway, it's amazing that the Amiga community is still going strong. I'm going to have to read up on it, as I always find that kind of stuff interesting.
Hi Bryan Ochalla, do you own the Famicom "Rainbow Islands"? If so, when you have some free time, can you please take another photo/scan of it (without being "tilted")? Front and Back cover? Thanks in advance. :)
Hello anon! Sadly, I don't own the Famicom version of Rainbow Islands, so I can't take those photos for you. Sorry! Should I ever buy it, though, you can bet I'll do so. You may want to keep an eye on my Flickr photostream, as that's where I'd be posting/sharing them.
Hey Bryan, thanks. I asked about it because I can't find a decent picture online lol. Yeah, I checked your Flickr few days ago, very nice collection. I've all those Famicom games but they are all pirates bought during the 80's when I was a kid. "Ugly" stuff but... they all still work. ;)
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