Poll: Box Art Brawl

Rally a crack squad of heroes, monarchs, sorcerers and light-fingered burglars—another Box Art Brawl quest awaits.

But before you heed Gandalf’s rap at the round door, let’s recap the last bout, which saw two Blast Corps jackets squaring off. In the East-versus-West showdown, Japan cruised to victory; the hard-as-nails “Blastdozer” artwork nabbed 58 % of ballots, leaving Europe and North America with the remaining 42 %.

If it wasn’t already obvious, this week we’re venturing to Middle-earth (blame Tales of the Shire for the craving) by comparing two GBA covers for The Hobbit. Is it the finest LOTR title ever? Hardly—but its regional artwork is wildly mismatched, so brace for aesthetic whiplash.

North America / Europe

You’d expect a cover for a children’s book to explode with saturated hues and playful cheer. Out West, not so much. The North American / European sleeve leans into the shadows, putting a slightly off-putting Bilbo front and center while eerie renderings of Gandalf and Smaug loom menacingly behind.

In spite of its dour tone, we still dig this layout. It advertises perilous quests that the actual game rarely manages, yet nobody can say Mr Baggins doesn’t cut a dashing, heroic figure here.

Japan

Whoa—completely different vibe. Japan’s edition drenches the scene with vibrant pigments, tossing Bilbo, Gandalf and Smaug (now with bonus Gollum) under full daylight, while the Lonely Mountain and Mirkwood backdrops look almost friendly. The One Ring even pops in near the bottom, just in case you wondered which hobbit this cartridge is about.

Thanks for casting your ballot! We’ll reconvene next instalment for another Box Art Brawl.