That said, I'm not as happy with the name they chose for this particular localization: Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward. (Pre-order the 3DS version here and the Vita version here.) A much more appealing one, in my humble opinion, would have been something like Zero Escape: Good People Die.
Another aspect of this localization that I'm far from ecstatic about: Its cover art. Why? Well, take a look at the game's North American box art:
And then compare it to the art that graced the cover of the Japanese iteration, which was released on Feb. 16:
As I said in this previous post, I consider the latter to be one of the best examples of 3DS cover art. The former? Not even in the same league--thanks in part to its scrunching of Kinu Nishimura's beautiful illustration and thanks in part to its use of, as the guys at tinycartridge.com call it, "the TurboGrafx-16 font."
All of the above is just my opinion, of course. What's yours?
See also: Previous 'Which Box Art is Better?' posts
16 comments:
TG16 font! I wouldn't have noticed! How hilarious. This one's a bloodbath, Bryan. The Japanese one wins, no contest.
Oh yeah, original art win hands down.
Yeesh, the floating heads of the American one really ruffles my feathers.
Cute anime chicks rule :)
Justin: I looooooooved that the guys over at TC caught the TG-16 font. I probably would have caught it myself, but you know what they say about the early bird. Anyway, I agree that it's a bloodbath this time around. Yowza!
Hey there, LA! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have a feeling no one is going to vote for the NA art this time around, but you never know!
Alois: I agree about the floating heads. Why'd they have to do that??
Simon: Why does your response not surprise me :P Of course, I rather like the hunk to the right of the cute anime chick, so I guess I can't talk, huh?
idk in this case I kind of prefer the NA art. Just looking at the JP art I can't really say I know what this game is or why it's interesting. But the addition of gas-mask dude, and his positioning in a trinity with the other two, suggests some sort of supernatural conflict and would motivate me to pick up the box and look at the other side. while the JP art is definitely beautiful and detailed, I think the NA one is more evocative.
Ah! Someone who prefers the NA art! Anyway, although I personally prefer the look and overall design of the JP art, I agree with a lot of what you say here, Zach. I guess I just wish the original artist had been brought in to produce this piece of art. Instead, it seems like one of Aksys' design folks did a quick cut-and-paste job. In the end, it doesn't really matter -- I'm going to pick up the game regardless :)
Japanese cover, hands down. No contest. End of story! ;)
Of course, all the points you mentioned I totally agree with. And why couldn't they keep that sleek black 3DS side bar? And the Japanese game logo is so much better than that quickly pasted in font... What a trainwreck >_<
Nevertheless, I'm very excited for this release and will be picking up a copy, too!
I'd say the Japanese cover is, of course, way better, but the NA cover at least has some attractive people in it, drawn in a unique style... so it's better than your average cover. Wish we didn't have to deal with the "Playable in 2D and 3D etc." line on the front of boxes.
But it really is interesting what a difference the black vs. white 3DS side bar makes. The black is more modern, sophisticated, classy. Get on it, Reggie!
Well, Anne, I agree with everything you said, too! Especially your comments about the black bar along the side and the logo font. Why don't we see those black bars in NA, by the way? Doesn't make sense...
DavidR: I'm with 100% when it comes to that stupid "Playable in 2D and 3D" line that appears on every NA 3DS game box. What's up with that? Also, like I just told Anne: I'd really like to see these black bars be used on NA game boxes, too.
Wow, sounds like a Japanese game version of Saw series.
Also, the Western one looks better.
Hey there, Anon! Now that you mention it (the similarity to Saw), I have to agree with you. In a way. As for the Western one looking better: You and Zach are of similar minds! Did he send you here? :P
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