Poll: Box Art Brawl

We are returning, returning, returning with another iteration of Box Art Brawl!

Previously, it was the Virtual Boy taking the center stage, as we compared a pair of covers for Teleroboxer. The designs were notably distinct, yielding disparate outcomes, yet the North American version triumphed with 69% of the votes, while the Japanese cover garnered 31%.

This week, we are maintaining a one-on-one contest, advancing to the newly introduced NSO title, Fatal Fury Special. Initially launched on the SNES in 1994 (’95 in North America), this brawler compiled characters from the series’ two prior installments into a single ‘everyone is included’ collection — though it clearly wasn’t everyone…

Both Europe and North America selected the same artwork for this release (aside from the NA version’s classic black borders, of course), so we have merely two covers for selection this time. Are you ready? Cast your vote!

North America / Europe

What has happened to nostalgic hand-drawn covers, huh? This design presents six fighters against one another, branching out into three pairs. It is filled with close-quarter combat stances, bulging muscles, and more torn sleeves than we ever imagined — honestly, only Tung Fu Rue is fully clothed, but that’s solely because his ghostly form showcases the complete gun show.

Add some lightning in the backdrop and a burning series logo for extra flair, and you have quite a striking design.

Japan

This one is significantly more… cinematic. We’ve become too accustomed to Hollywood’s floating-head movie posters these days, but take a look at how impactful this one is! Every character is depicted, all portrayed in a much more playful stance, while flames erupt from behind them.

Do we wish that Terry Bogard and Joe Higashi’s gazes were penetrating our souls’ slightly less? Absolutely. However, it’s undeniable that it looks impressive.

Thank you for your votes! We’ll catch you next time for another Box Art Brawl.