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The most mediocre box art

The blandest, dullest and all-around boring-est covers we could find

Words: Brett Elston, GamesRadar US

We poked fun at this one back in our Worst of 2007 article. It deserves a double slap on the wrist for being uninspired in addition to plain ol’ bad. Not much else to be said about it, GR’s Mikel Reparaz said it best:

"Putting a pear-shaped blob on the cover of your game alongside nothing else probably isn't the best way to get people to fork over their cash."


Great title, but overwhelmingly average art. When your game is about monsters and enchanted yo-yos, you should try a little harder than “uhh how about some palm trees?” Look at part two:

Now that’s more like it.


We’ve got two excellent reasons for including oft-ignored Amplitude. First, such an addicting, innovative and unique game deserves something better than washed-up band names flying out of a speaker. Second, it gives us a chance to yet again tell everyone they absolutely need to play this game. It’s from pre-Guitar Hero Harmonix, people, know your roots!


This was the third NES Simpsons game released in a relatively short time period, and you can tell by the shrug-worthy title of “Bartman meets Radioactive Man.” That’s about as compelling as “Maggie Sleeps the Day Away” or “Homer’s Late for Work.”

Oh right, the box. This one falls into the same category as Shadow Dancer, with a group of people that couldn’t be less interested in what’s going on. “Grrr, I’m a crab man of some description, rarrrrr.” Plus Radioactive Man shaking his fist like an angry old man, presumably telling everyone else to "get the hell off my lawn-colored box!"

And it all takes place in a void. Couldn’t even bother drawing in a location. A far cry from the first NES game:

CHRIST there’s too much going on; they took every idea in the room and threw it on the box, the polar opposite of the Radioactive Man cover. Oh, don't try to call Family Video, they've been shut down for about 15 years.

Want more mediocrity? Head back to the Seven out of 10 Week hub.

Jul 24, 2008


 
10 Comments
Order Comments: Newest First | Oldest First
MillsAnimation  - 1 year 2 months ago 
I find it strange that BMX XXX is on this list of "mediocre" box art. As from what I recall it had the BEST EVER. Just open the box, take out the sleeve flip that B over and BAM... Giant stripper butt that was branded with the game logo on her butt cheek. So perhaps this should be updated and added to BEST BOX ART EVAR. :p I know every time I visit a blockbuster or game store, I flip over every copy I can find to share this easter egg with the world!
Wolf007  - 11 months 14 days ago 
Since MillsAnimation didn't say it, I will 1st. And by the way, BMX XXX SUCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ultimate_asswoopin  - 11 months 11 days ago 
hey bmx xxx didnt suck because how many games do you play not counting on the internet that has two ramps that are put together and painted up to look like a pair of BOOBS huh? oh and the ninja from shaodow dance looks like its wearing a part of storm trooper armor
ultimate_asswoopin  - 11 months 11 days ago 
hey bmx xxx didnt suck because how many games do you play not counting on the internet that has two ramps that are put together and painted up to look like a pair of BOOBS huh? oh and the ninja from shaodow dance looks like its wearing a part of storm trooper armor
ultimate_asswoopin  - 11 months 11 days ago 
sorry for the double post
AA95mp  - 9 months 29 days ago 
i found the startropics one relaxing
oreopizza47  - 9 months 17 days ago 
yah mon, Amplitude=epic WIN. although, it is a teensie bit repetitive after *ounts on fingers*.... the first area. amazing music though and a truly great idea. could have pulled it off a bit better though.
oreopizza47  - 9 months 17 days ago 
counts* sorry grammar nazi
Maikeru_Go  - 9 months 15 days ago 
That F-16 Fighting Falcon art looks about as exciting as the MS Excel box from that era. Also, what's with the usage of clip art for Outrun?
SwampRock  - 6 months 5 days ago 
Family video will sue you now! stolen property

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