Let's Play: 'Which Box Art is Better?' (Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch edition)

I've said this before, I'm sure, but I'll repeat it now just in case my memory is failing me (again): If I owned a PS3, the game that would top my lengthy buy-as-soon-as-it's-available list would be Level-5's Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.

Until the day I buy a PS3 arrives, I'll content myself by comparing and contrasting the different cover illustrations that have been produced for this beautiful, co-developed-by-anime-company-Studio-Ghibli RPG.

To kick things off, here's the imagery that appeared on the original Japanese release's packaging:

And here's the art that will grace the cover of the upcoming (it'll hit the streets on July 19) "All-in-One Edition" of the game:

Finally, here's the rather sparse illustration that may or may not be used as the North American version's box art when it's released here in 2013:

Will it shock anyone if I say I prefer the colorful re-release's box art over the other two options? I doubt it. It could be considered a bit garish, I guess, but at least there's some life to it--something that can't be said of the original Japanese version's box art.

As for the North American cover: I have a feeling it isn't final, so I'm hesitant to say much about it. What I will say is that, even in this likely-unfinished state, I think it's classy and elegant. Should it end up appearing on store shelves, though, I wouldn't expect your average Canadian, Mexican or US gamer to pick it up--or even notice its existence.

See also: Previous 'Which Box Art is Better?' posts