Joystiq

Xbox One official game box design unveiled

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Microsoft repre-soldier Major Nelson confirmed the box designs for Xbox One games by showing off how copies of the newly announced Forza Motorsport 5 will look. Much like how the Wii U went bold with blue, the Xbox One design is gallant in green.

The Forza 5 design also reveals the logo of BBC motorcar show Top Gear. Forza 4 featured Top Gear content, and so will Forza 5, apparently. You can check out the full box art by speeding on past the break.

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Xbox One official game box design unveiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox One, PS4 game box art appears on Battlefield 4 site

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:00:00 EST

Are these the designs for Xbox One and PS4 game covers? The images come via the official Battlefield 4 site, where they're pictured prominently on a couple of pages. They may just be EA mock-ups - no other companies, including Microsoft and Sony, have released any images - but maybe they are the real deal. We reckon they look elegantly crisp.

Xbox One, PS4 game box art appears on Battlefield 4 site originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon's Crown pre-orders get this art book

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:00:00 EST

Folks who pre-order Vanillaware and Atlus' forthcoming 2D hack-and-slash game, Dragon's Crown, will also receive a 64-page limited edition art book for their troubles. The paperback tome includes character and environmental artwork by Dragon's Crown designer/artist/Vanillaware president George Kamitani, in addition to pieces by other Japanese video game artists, such as Capcom alumnus Kinu Nishimura and Akira Yasuda.

Atlus has also revealed the game's North American box art, which does a good job of obfuscating the art design's more controversial aspects. Dragon's Crown will drop for PlayStation 3 and Vita August 6, at $49.99 and $39.99 respectively.

Gallery: Dragon's Crown (Art Book and Box Art)

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Dragon's Crown pre-orders get this art book originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCAA Football 14 to include offline-only Kinect support

Mike Suszek — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST

While Kinect integration isn't all that new for EA Sports, as both Madden 13 and FIFA 13 included support for the device last year, the Xbox 360 cover art for NCAA Football 14 includes the "Better with Kinect" banner at the top. EA Sports told Joystiq that Kinect support will be for offline play only, and will be "similar to what we've done in Madden, focused on pre-play voice commands."

Check out the hi-res versions of the game's box art, which features speedy-looking Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, in the gallery below. NCAA 14 will sprint to Xbox 360 and PS3 on July 9.

Gallery: NCAA Football 14 (Cover Art)

NCAA Football 14 to include offline-only Kinect support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dark Souls 2's box art is many shades of grey

Mike Suszek — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST

The box art for Dark Souls 2 recently popped up on the web, and features a dude with a sword walking away from the box-holder. For all we know, the man may be walking backwards while holding the sword, as animated .gif pack shots have yet to be realized.

We've placed hi-res versions of the box art, courtesy of All Games Beta, in a gallery for your viewing pleasure below. Dark Souls 2 is coming to Xbox 360, PC and PS3.

Gallery: Dark Souls 2 (Box Art)

Dark Souls 2's box art is many shades of grey originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Dogs box art has its hands full

Mike Suszek — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST

Aiden, the main character of Ubisoft's Watch Dogs, looks a bit preoccupied on the game's cover. Is he contemplating what to order for dinner on his fancy cell phone? Why is he holding a gun? He's not planning on paying for his meal, is he?

The game's box art is leaving us guessing, which is why we have higher-res versions to investigate in the gallery below, found on the official Watch Dogs North American and UK Facebook pages. The game is confirmed for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, PC and Wii U, and is expected to launch sometime in 2013.

Gallery: Watch Dogs (Box Art)

Watch Dogs box art has its hands full originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock Infinite reverse art revealed

Mike Suszek — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST

Irrational Games revealed the reverse cover art for BioShock Infinite today. The art chosen won 38% of fan votes on the poll posted by studio head Ken Levine earlier this month as the result of displeasure from fans over the game's official box art.

The art, the full version of which can be found after the break, will be printed on the other side of the BioShock Infinite cover. Levine noted that other alternate covers will be made available for fans to print.

Now hopefully we've all learned our lesson: It's what's on the inside that counts.

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BioShock Infinite reverse art revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance's North American box art

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST

We know how much you kids these days like the Metal Gears, what with the Raidens and the nanomachines and all that, so we figured you'd appreciate an early look at Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance's North American box art.

The full monty is tucked away in that gallery below (make sure to hit the "high-res" button for the full effect), and we have to say we like this new cover a heck of a lot more than the macro shot of Raiden's gross robot face that other territories will have to look at all the time.

Unless you kids are into that sort of thing now. Are gross robot faces cool now? Did we take our medicine this morning? Are you Carol's daughter? Where's our soup?

Gallery: Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (NA Box art)

This is Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance's North American box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST

Irrational Games is asking the community to vote for BioShock Infinite's reversible cover art. Studio head Ken Levine asks in a post on the Irrational site for fans to vote on one of six covers:

"But what's that you say? You want even more choice in covers? We're also going to be arranging a whole mess of MORE alternate covers which will be available to download and print yourself," Levine writes. "Of course, these are free and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the [Irrational] forums as to what you'd like to see."

The cover art PR campaign comes a week after the brotastically boring cover for the fantastical Infinite was revealed. Levine mentioned shortly after the cover art drama that the box art was made for uninformed players who don't read news on gaming sites. So, you know, if you're reading this, go vote on what you want the actual cover for BioShock Infinite to be on your shelf.

Vote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed

Mike Suszek — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST

Irrational Games boss Ken Levine talked with Wired recently about the cover art for BioShock Infinite, which was unveiled just over a week ago to the groans of many. Levine compared games to salad dressing when talking about the intentions of the game's box art, saying, "I don't read Salad Dressing Weekly. I don't care who makes it, I don't know any of the personalities in the salad dressing business."

Levine said that members of the team went to frathouses to ask if gamers have played BioShock, and "not a single one of them had heard of it." He makes the distinction that the box art for BioShock Infinite is for those uninformed players that don't read news on gaming sites. So, it's not for you, dear Joystiq reader, though Levine addressed you as well, noting that the developer will be releasing a "whole set of alternate covers that you can download and print. We're going to be working with the community to see what they're interested in."

Levine added that the BioShock team had to "make that tradeoff in terms of where we were spending our marketing dollars. By the time you get to the store, or see an ad, the BioShock fan knows about the game. The money we're spending on PR, the conversations with games journalists - that's for the fans. For the people who aren't informed, that's who the box art is for."

BioShock Infinite will launch March 26, 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Levine also recently spoke with Joystiq about the game's themes of faith and evolution of its central character, Elizabeth.

Ken Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock Infinite box art needs to shave

Mike Suszek — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST

Irrational Games coughed up the box art for BioShock Infinite today, and it features lead character Booker DeWitt and his five o'clock shadow. We're guessing that with the game's lack of multiplayer, DeWitt doesn't feel the need to be presentable.

BioShock Infinite is scheduled to launch February 26, 2013 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Check out higher resolution versions of the cover art in the gallery below.

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (Box Art)

BioShock Infinite box art needs to shave originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catwoman is also armored in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (plus: Wii U boxes are blue!)

JC Fletcher — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:40:00 EST

The tablet technology included with the Wii U allows Batman to have fancier armor in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition. We don't understand how it works either - just go with it. A new image released by WB today shows that Catwoman will also benefit from this increased armor tech. Now she's more covered up.

Speaking of Wii U and being covered up, the box art image sent by WB reveals something interesting: not only do Wii U game covers have a blue bar on top - the actual boxes appear to be light blue. That'll be hard to miss on the shelf.

Gallery: Batman Arkham City Armored Edition (Box Cover and Catwoman)

Catwoman is also armored in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (plus: Wii U boxes are blue!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Borderlands 2 box art deserves its own post

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:00:00 EST

Sure, we already had a post earlier today detailing the lavishly equipped Deluxe Vault Hunter's Collector's Edition and Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition of Borderlands 2, but what about us average Joes? What about everyone who wants to look at Borderlands 2 packaging, but doesn't want to waste time daydreaming over ornate collector's editions that won't fit in our tiny efficiency apartments? Where's that post?!

Shhhhh, it's okay. It's right here, friend. This is that post. Behold, the regular retail packaging for Borderlands 2.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 (Box Art)

Borderlands 2 box art deserves its own post originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's the first Forza Horizon screenshot

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Back when Forza Horizon was first officially announced by Microsoft and Playground Games back in March, all we had to gaze upon was a montage of desperately pretty cars and people, living the kind of life you'd expect someone with that kind of a car to live.

Now, though, we've got our first real look at the game in the form of the screenshot above, which features the 2013 SRT Dodge Viper, some rocks, an extremely flat American highway and the same vignette framing we've come to expect from Forza in-game screenshots. Granted, this is but a single image, but from where we're sitting it sure does look a hell of a lot like a Forza game, which is reassuring considering that this is Playground Games' first spin behind the franchise's wheel.

Gallery: Forza Horizon

Here's the first Forza Horizon screenshot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's the Japanese Pokemon Black/White Version 2 box art

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:30:00 EST

Pokemon Black/White Version 2 are slated to hit Japanese DSes this June, with a North American release later this fall. If previous titles are any indication, this Japanese box art should be roughly analogous to what we'll get in our stores, as hungry Pokemaniacs ravage the land of its resources.

Continue reading Here's the Japanese Pokemon Black/White Version 2 box art

Here's the Japanese Pokemon Black/White Version 2 box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Street Fighter X Tekken's Pac-Man and Mega Man hit PS3s on March 13

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

As we learned a few months ago, the PS3 and Vita versions of Street Fighter X Tekken will include the two best/worst characters ever to grace a fighting game: Original Box-Art Mega Man, and Mecha-Mokujin Pac Man.

These characters won't be available out of the box, however; both hilarious callbacks will be released as free DLC on March 13, one week from SFxT's North American release on March 6, according to Capcom Unity. We're alright with this, because it means we'll at least get one week of fighting regular characters online. As soon as Mega/Pac-Man are available, we don't expect to see anyone else, ever again.

Street Fighter X Tekken's Pac-Man and Mega Man hit PS3s on March 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need for Speed: The Run detailed, racing to stores Nov. 15

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:55:00 EST

Following yesterday's teaser reveal of Need for Speed: The Run, EA has today spelled out some details we didn't know and confirmed some that we inferred from the trailer. First and foremost, the game is indeed speeding toward a holiday release date of November 15, 2011 in North America (and Nov. 17 in Europe). EA Black Box is at the wheel (as rumored), with EA DICE's Frostbite 2 engine under the hood.

Additionally, The Run will feature the much-loved Autolog feature (as loved in Hot Pursuit and Shift 2), as well as the "hot cars and crazy-fast chases" we've come to expect from the NFS series. As seen in the trailer, the game will follow racers cross-country (Cannonball Run-style) from San Francisco to New York, with plenty of stops in between. EA's announcement also notes that "entering the race is just the beginning," with races taking place in "dense urban traffic," on "icy mountain passes" and "narrow canyons." Presumably we'll find out more about The Run as E3 approaches, this June.

Gallery: Need for Speed: The Run (box art)

Need for Speed: The Run detailed, racing to stores Nov. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead or Alive Dimensions box art deemed too leggy by ESRB [update]

Randy Nelson — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:58:00 EST

The artwork adorning the cover of Dead of Alive Dimensions for 3DS when it hits the US this May will look more or less like it did on the Japanese release, with one change: no inner-thigh.

Tecmo tells Joystiq that the ESRB found the original art (left) too racy because it showed too much of Kasumi's right leg. In response, the company's art department whipped up an alternate cover (right) with more, well ... coverage of the highly offensive area.

Whatever -- we'll still like this vetoed cover much better. Plus, it's completely leg-fee.

Update, March 24: In what seems like some backpedaling in order to make nice with the ESRB, Tecmo has told 1UP the following:

"[T]his whole thing is getting blown way out of proportion. The truth is that when we submitted the box art as-is from Japan, there were a few parties both internal and external who thought there might be some issue with the image. Nobody 'demanded' anything be changed, it was just pointed out. You have to pick your battles, and covering up that small bit of the image seemed to be harmless. Honestly, if you look at the comparisons between the Japanese and US box shots, it's not like the image loses anything after the edit.

"The ESRB has been very helpful working with us on recent projects. If the box art was something we felt really strongly about, we would have kept it as-is. But we just didn't really see the harm in editing it to make it appropriate for everyone involved."

[Image: aussie-nintendo]

Dead or Alive Dimensions box art deemed too leggy by ESRB [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian Super Meat Boy box art winner revealed, delightful

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:15:00 EST

Team Meat's contest to find new box art for the Russian release of its beloved, nightmarishly difficult platformer Super Meat Boy has been fruitful, indeed. Check out the winning art after the jump -- then soak in all the other wonderful submissions over on Team Meat's site. We want posters!

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Russian Super Meat Boy box art winner revealed, delightful originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Spin 4 is Move compatible, but 'not Kinect'

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:10:00 EST

When Top Spin 4 was announced in September, publisher 2K Games busted out accolades like "uncanny level of realism" and "all-new innovative controls," which certainly sounded like euphemisms for "you're going to play it with swinging motions." At the time, associate producer Michael Kelly told ESPN that support for PlayStation Move and Kinect was "something we are looking into, but I can't confirm or deny that it will be in the final product."

Today, the publisher revealed Top Spin 4's box art, featuring Bald Agassi (his "Vintage" look will be available when you pre-order the game from GameStop) flanked by current stars Rafa and Serena. And the box art revealed that the PS3 version will be "PlayStation Move Compatible," which is corroborated by the Move logo's appearance in the new trailer.

The Xbox 360 cover, however, is curiously devoid of any mention of Kinect, and a 2K Games representative confirmed to us that Top Spin 4 is "not Kinect ... but it is Move compatible." Considering the strong sales of both Kinect hardware and associated software since the device's launch in November, not to mention that there's no licensed tennis sim for Kinect on the market yet, 2K must have good reason for passing up this opportunity (though the company has "no further comment" at this time).

Top Spin 4 is scheduled for release on March 15, 2011 for PS3, Wii and Xbox 360. Check out the full, 25-player roster and a new trailer after the break.

Gallery: Top Spin 4 (box art)

Continue reading Top Spin 4 is Move compatible, but 'not Kinect'

Top Spin 4 is Move compatible, but 'not Kinect' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MotorStorm Apocalypse crashing down April 12

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:05:00 EST

The mere mention of a "motorstorm" itself sounds pretty apocalyptic to us. Just imagine: 1000-pound engine blocks falling from the sky! Given that, can you even begin to imagine how severe a MotorStorm Apocalypse could be? Well, you don't have to, it's happening, as Sony has announced the game's April 12 release date on the PlayStation Blog.

With a few months to go before the arrival, you've still got some time to save like, so, so many coins for that 3D TV. You do want to experience the Apocalypse the way it's meant to be played -- in "mind-blowing 3D" -- don't you?

Gallery: MotorStorm Apocalypse (box art)

MotorStorm Apocalypse crashing down April 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Russia, Super Meat Boy retail cover makes you!

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:04:00 EST

Okay, not quite. But fans of Super Meat Boy in Russia now have the opportunity to design the cover art for the PC box-copy release in the territory (so team Meat doesn't have to). Published by Buka Entertainment, the Russian release will be the first box copy of the game available in the world, so it's ... sort of a big deal?

To enter the box art contest -- well, first you have to be a resident of Russia or any of the former Soviet Union countries, and then -- just put together a 709x709-pixel image using this set of SMB assets (.ZIP link), send it in to Buka before midnight on January 15, 2011, and calmly wait for the results to be announced a day or so later (more specific instructions can be found here). Not only will the winner become "like semi-popular," but he or she will also receive an Acer monitor!

A personal message from Team Meat's Edmund McMillen spells out the intentions behind the contest, which you can view after the break. If you don't watch it for the pitch, watch it for his totally sweet hat.

Continue reading In Russia, Super Meat Boy retail cover makes you!

In Russia, Super Meat Boy retail cover makes you! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Meat Boy PC box art is a nightmare made tangible

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST

We thought that nothing related to Super Meat Boy could possibly be more upsetting than that I Want to Be the Guy level, but there's no way we could have foreseen ... this. Graphic artist Dave Rapoza, who caught the eye of Team Meat with an equally disturbing piece of fan art earlier this year, has drawn up a new hyper-realistic design that will make its way onto the box of the Super Meat Boy PC special edition. Check out the full illustration after the jump.

We can't place our finger on what makes our initial reaction to the painting one of immeasurable horror; it really is an incredibly creative and beautifully drawn interpretation of the game's tiny, pixelated lead characters. Maybe that's what's so upsetting -- we never imagined that hidden within that blocky frame was a totally ripped physique.

Continue reading Super Meat Boy PC box art is a nightmare made tangible

Super Meat Boy PC box art is a nightmare made tangible originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bandai is in charge of all video game box art from now on

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:10:00 EST

We're not sure if it's too soon to name our 2011 Game of the Year, but we're awfully tempted to just go ahead and give it to Bandai's DS soon-to-be-classic, Fly Mr. Science. Based solely on the box art alone (the full version of which is posted below), we can tell it's going to be ... important.

Continue reading Bandai is in charge of all video game box art from now on

Bandai is in charge of all video game box art from now on originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catherine and Katherine split box art duty

JC Fletcher — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:02:00 EST

If you're shocked to see the seductive poses on the Japanese box art for Catherine, this is likely your first encounter with the Persona team's foray into HD games. The covers feature Catherine (on the PS3 box), the mysterious woman with whom protagonist Vincent has an affair with, and his current girlfriend, Katherine (on the 360 version). The box art is in line with the general marketing for the adult-themed game, which has used lascivious imagery to capture Vincent's insomnia-plagued predicament. Look closer -- notice the falling sheep-men?

Catherine arrives in Japan on February 17, and in North America who knows when.

Catherine and Katherine split box art duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition

JC Fletcher — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST

Majesco has released images of the final doll design and packaging for Babysitting Mama. Cleverly, the box for the minigame collection is shaped like a crib, featuring a phrase we didn't ever think we'd see on a game box: "Wii Game Disc Included (Look Under Baby!)"

Continue reading Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition

Cribs: Babysitting Mama Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 gets multiple covers

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Wanna snag eight WWE superstars all on one game box? Too bad, as THQ's WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 will feature eight WWE wrestlers across several region-specific covers.

Continue reading WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 gets multiple covers

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 gets multiple covers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops box art features Sally ... and her soldier

Mike Schramm — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST

Activision has just dropped the Call of Duty: Black Ops box art in our laps, and it's ... mysterious. Rather than represent an actual game character in Treyarch's latest Call of Duty title, we're guessing the shadow-faced soldier above represents the player, a quad-gunned triggerman in the shady world of stealth operations.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops box art features Sally ... and her soldier

Call of Duty: Black Ops box art features Sally ... and her soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision confirms final Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions cover

JC Fletcher — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:11:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

GameFly has proven that the speed of a game rental website exceeds the proportionate speed of a radioactive spider. The website posted the final box art for Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions well in advance of next week's Shattered Dimensions Comic-Con panel, which is expected to provide the "official" reveal of the game's fourth universe. Activision confirmed to Joystiq that the box art image is authentic.

There's still plenty of info to reveal at that panel, however. The newly revealed, fourth version of Spider-Man (pictured on the far right) looks like he's wearing the famous (infamous?) black "symbiote" costume, which raises questions about which "universe" it represents in the game. In the comics, the Secret Wars storyline that resulted in Spider-Man's acquisition of this costume took place in the normal "Earth-616" Marvel Comics continuity, which is already one of the game's revealed dimensions. (The other two are the Noir [Earth-7207] and Marvel 2099 [Earth-928] universes.) It's possible that this probable symbiote costume is the version from the Ultimate universe, which would qualify as a separate universe and fulfill the game's multidimensional gimmick.

Check out the full box art after the break, while we ponder the biggest question brought on by this reveal: When did we learn so much about Spider-Man comics?

Continue reading Activision confirms final Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions cover

Activision confirms final Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Michael Jordan NBA 2K11 cover

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

2K Sports calls it the "Greatest Cover of All Time" -- but, you know, it's not even the greatest Michael Jordan cover of all time. Five words: Chaos. In. The. Windy. City. (Click the image for a better look at Jordan's latest comeback.)

Continue reading The Michael Jordan NBA 2K11 cover

The Michael Jordan NBA 2K11 cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dead Space 2 cover is possibly Dead Space Girl-free

JC Fletcher — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST

EA just made what it classifies as a "big reveal" via Twitter -- the cover art for Dead Space 2. We regret to inform you that the cover does not feature any terrified, meme-worthy faces, unless there's one behind the visor of that helmet. You know what, we're just going to assume there's a Dead Space Girl face right behind that helmet. It ... helps. Check out the full image after the break.

Dead Space 2 is currently slated for an early 2011 release (inside that box), according to EA earnings reports and statements from CEO John Riccitiello.

Continue reading Dead Space 2 cover is possibly Dead Space Girl-free

Dead Space 2 cover is possibly Dead Space Girl-free originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fable 3 box art crowned with 'Windows' label

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:02:00 EST

"Dudes, this box art rules!" We would have been satisfied to leave it at that after sharing Fable 3's regal cover art with you, had it not been for the curious stamp at the top: "Only on Xbox 360 & Windows." The label, which denotes "exclusivity" on Microsoft's console and PC, was most recently adhered to THQ's atmospheric first-person shooter, Metro 2033.

Since this official Microsoft-provided art has now been retracted (from Games Press), you're either looking at an elaborate labeling error or an accidental announcement of Fable 3 heading to PC. We'll do our best to be royal pains and keep bugging Microsoft for a proper answer. At the time of writing, neither Microsoft US nor Microsoft UK had responded to our calls.

Update: A Microsoft representative told us, "We have not made any official announcements beyond 'Fable III' for Xbox 360 at this time," and offered to forward additional information "as it becomes available."

Fable 3 box art crowned with 'Windows' label originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Fallout: New Vegas box art is stoic

David Hinkle — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:00 EST

We struggle to find anything else to say about the Fallout: New Vegas boxart that's been revealed via the Bethesda Blog. Depicting a single New California Republic Ranger standing alone (you know, the guy from the first trailer?), he wields his pistol, presumably ready for any ne'er-do-wells lurking. Or maybe he's just showing his gun to us? We can't imagine it's very impressive, what with all the sand in the post-apocalyptic desert.

Of course, if the regular edition of the game doesn't do it for you, don't forget there's a collector's edition you can snag for $79.99 on PS3 and Xbox and $69.99 on PC -- or about 7,162 bottle caps.*

*Note: Please don't mail bottle caps to Bethesda.

The Fallout: New Vegas box art is stoic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood confirmed by Ubisoft

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:30:00 EST

[Destructoid]

Kotaku has been sent an image of the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood's placeholder box art, presumably by a rogue GameStop employee. Ubisoft confirmed the image as legit, officially revealing the next title in the Assassin's Creed series starring Ezio Auditore de Firenze, and in turn confirming the veracity of a handful of details contained on the back of the temporary box art. The blurb reads, "Live and breathe as Ezio, now a legendary master assassin, in his struggle against the Templar order. Lead your own brotherhood of Assassins and strike at the heart of the enemy: Rome. And for the first time, take part in an innovative multiplayer layer allowing you to embody an assassin of your choosing and define their killing style."

As you've likely guessed by now, this is the spinoff that Ubisoft revealed to be in production a few months back -- the same spinoff spotted in a domain name registration just two weeks ago (which lends more credibility to the possibility that the next Driver game will be based in San Francisco, we suppose). The tiny screenshots seen on the back of the placeholder art additionally boast "A never-before-seen online multiplayer experience" and the ability to "Lead your own brotherhood of assassins, as Ezio, and conquer Rome." As you can see on the right side, a pre-order sticker advertises the pre-order bonus of an "exclusive multiplayer character." Kotaku thinks it could be Altair, but we're gonna be rebels and hope for Renaissance-era Sam Fisher. That's synergy, baby!

Update: A Ubisoft rep told Joystiq, "Ubisoft confirms the authenticity of this image and will provide more information next week."

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood confirmed by Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario Galaxy 2 box art has your Yoshi needs covered

Randy Nelson — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST

Click to see full cover art

In just under two months, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be on shelves. Today, Nintendo released the final North American box art so you can print it out, stick it in an empty Wii game case and pretend you have the plumber's latest platformer right now. Okay, so that's probably not what the Big N had in mind, but really, who doesn't do that?

Not you? Well then, you can at least use the art to help you spot the game at the store. Although, now that we look at it side-by-side with the original Super Mario Galaxy's box art, they appear strikingly similar. We've placed both after the break so you can study the subtle differences and not end up with the wrong game on May 23.

We're slated to play the latest build of SMG2 next week, so we'll have updated hands-on impressions of Nintendo's next big platformer soon.

Continue reading Super Mario Galaxy 2 box art has your Yoshi needs covered

Super Mario Galaxy 2 box art has your Yoshi needs covered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raskulls box art decided, disappointing

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST

Well, congratulations, internet, you got it completely wrong. The image above and to the left is the "democratically" chosen digital box art for the upcoming XBLA title, Raskulls. It won over the image to the right by a minuscule 15 votes. Just look at it. It tells you nothing about the game. It's just a skull king dude pointing. Now look at the image to the right. You see that the king is searching for something, a precious gem of some sort. What's more, he is clearly not the only one, as he is pursued by many competitors and what appears to be a giant, flying pirate ship. Also, there is a laser. This is box art. This is the stuff of great literature. Alas, the public totally flubbed it.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why we have the electoral college.

Raskulls box art decided, disappointing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remade NES box art almost as awesome as our childhood memories

Xav de Matos — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST

The fruits of a deviantART "art jam" concept pitched by user lerms in late 2009 has finally been revealed, rekindling our love for classic NES promotional design (and how awesomely bad it was). The art jam's rules were simple: Select a classic title and reimagine its box art, while also keeping the spirit of the original in mind. Suffice it to say, the results were superb and only make us want to print each of the designs for use in our own classic gaming collection. (Or at least purchase poster sized prints of them all.)

In all, ten classic designs were re imagined, including covers for Contra, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse, and (finally!) an Iron Sword: Wizards & Warriors II cover sans Fabio.

[Via Tiny Cartridge]

Remade NES box art almost as awesome as our childhood memories originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Print some not-terrible Heavy Rain box art

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST

How far would you go ... to have better box art for Heavy Rain? Thankfully, you won't have to go much farther than a color printer. The "wet t-shirt" Heavy Rain box art shipped to North American retailers today can now be replaced by the much classier -- and far more representative -- European box art. Make sure you use high quality paper and ink. "I'd recommend printing it on an 11 x 17 and cutting along the lines so it fits just right," SCEA's Cristian Cardona advises.

If you haven't picked up Heavy Rain yet, you may want to check out our review. Then, check out a new trailer after the break.

Continue reading PSA: Print some not-terrible Heavy Rain box art

PSA: Print some not-terrible Heavy Rain box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XBL Indie Game cover parodies ICO cover

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:16:00 EST

[Siliconera]

Who doesn't like cover art inspired by Giorgio de Chirico and, more directly, Ico? Monsters, that's who. That'd be like saying you don't like playing games that require the combining of three objects in various patterns to earn points, especially when said games use Japanese food items. 'Cause it's those two things that Yaruhara no Omochi meshes on the Japanese Xbox Live Indie Game channel, mesmerizing Siliconera as it does us.

As if the idea of playing an XBL Indie Game with the premise of stacking "mochi (sticky rice cakes), fish, and seals" in a match-three-style game weren't enticing enough, it would appear from these screens that the game is gaijin-safe (read: in English). Time to fire up that dusty Japanese Silver account you've got sitting around, eh?

XBL Indie Game cover parodies ICO cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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God of War III Ultimate Trilogy Edition: The Ultimate Box

JC Fletcher — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST

Sony Europe has released an image of the European box for the God of War III Ultimate Trilogy Edition -- which, like the American God of War III Ultimate Edition, contains another box within. The European packaging is much more colorful (at least much more red) than the North American box, though, and features an all-important acetate window, through which shoppers can gaze upon the majesty of the replica Pandora's Box that comes with the set.

Aside from the colors and the view, the European set also includes one other thing that the American bundle doesn't: the God of War Collection, which features HD remakes of God of War and God of War II for PS3, and plenty of logos.

God of War III Ultimate Trilogy Edition: The Ultimate Box originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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