A little bit of proof that TurboGrafx-16 box art didn't *always* suck

I've been as guilty as anyone over the years of spreading the message that the "art" (I use that word fairly loosely in this case) that graced the packaging of (most of the) games released for NEC's TurboGrafx-16--the would-be competitor of the Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System--was among the worst ever produced.

Although I continue to stand by that assertion, the truth is that a number of TurboGrafx-16 games featured cover art that wasn't completely atrocious. In fact, some of it is downright acceptable (if not altogether amazing). Hopefully the five examples below--arranged in alphabetical order--will help prove that point.

1. Alien Crush--Of all the cover art included in this post, this is probably the most mundane. Still, it does a pretty good job of showing off what the game's all about without being boringly straightforward.

2. Chew Man Fu--It has to be said that this odd game's box art is far less interesting than its Japanese counterpart (called Be Ball). That said, it's appealingly colorful, and the illustration of the mustachioed dude serving as its focus isn't hideous. Because of that, I think it more than earns a spot on this list.

3. The Legendary Axe--Full disclosure: I've never been much of a fan of this gritty platformer, despite the fact that every other TurboGrafx-16 owner back in the day slobbered over it like it was a photo of Daniel Craig in the buff. I've always liked its cover art, though--thanks it large part to the humongous spider that takes up most of its acreage.

I can't think of a better way to start the week ...

... than with a new issue of PC Engine Gamer magazine.

OK, so I can think of a few things that would kick off the week in a better way than this, but this is pretty good one all the same.

I say that in part because this issue of PC Engine Gamer contains write-ups of two of the cutest PC Engine games around: Be Ball and Star Parodier.

(Silly aside: I'm sure a few hardcore PC Engine fans will want to smack me for saying this, but I actually prefer Be Ball to Star Parodier by a pretty wide margin. I guess I just have a soft spot for chibi Chun-Li-esque protagonists who can't keep their hands off of giant balls.)

That isn't all the seventh issue of PC Engine Gamer has to offer, of course. It also features a fascinating interview with Hudson Soft's Tadayuki Kawada (who worked on the aforementioned Star Parodier) and a surprisingly lengthy Legendary Axe comic.

Anyway, I'd highly recommend checking it out here at your earliest convenience--whether or not you consider yourself to be a PC Engine fan. The articles in this little ezine are witty, well-written and, if you're anything like me, sure to put a smile on your face.