Another game I should add to my collection sooner rather than later, according to positive early impressions of it: The spiritual sequel to Tail Concerto, Solatorobo.
That game--which, like its predecessor, seems to focus on the exploits of an anthropomorphic pooch and his semi-humanoid mecha--hit the streets in Japan late last year and is set to do the same in Europe (courtesy of Nintendo; it was published in Japan by Namco Bandai) on July 1 and in North America (courtesy of Xseed Games; pre-order it here) on Sept. 27.
Speaking of this DS title's much-anticipated international release, here is the box art that will appear on the North American iteration:
The art that will grace the cover of the European pressing of the game, on the other hand, should look something like this:
Finally, here is the box art that was used in Japan:
As for my thoughts on this trio of box arts: Well, I kind of hate to say it, since I'm sure it's going to make me sound like a biased broken record, but once again I prefer the Japanese art. I especially like its sense of adventure and whimsy, neither of which are depicted in the European or North American designs.
That's not to say I hate the other options. Actually, let me clarify that: I don't hate the North American art. In fact, I really like its use of warm colors. I'm not so fond of the placement of the subtitle, but it's not enough to make me turn up my nose at the game.
I wouldn't say the European art is so bad it would prompt me to bypass the game, but it might push me to pick up the Japanese or North American version instead--if, you know, I lived in Europe and not in the US. Admittedly, I doubt many European DS owners will react as strongly to the art as I have, but I definitely think it's possible some of them--especially those who have never heard of the game and aren't looking forward to its release--may simply overlook it thanks to its bland, boring box art.
Anyway, that's what I think of the art that has appeared or will appear on the covers of the European, Japanese and North American versions of Solatorobo. What do you think?
See also: Previous 'Which Box Art is Better?' posts
