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.