Pokemon Video Game Box Art
I've always enjoyed talking about video game box art and specifically Pokemon video game box art. There was nothing quite like seeing new games on the shelves of Blockbuster, or Hollywood Video, or any other stores that carried electronics. The box art would prove its use every time because I always looked through the locked glass doors at the box art hoping that one day I can pick up the game and play it. Well, that was most certainly true when Pokemon Gold / Silver came out, so that's the one I'm choosing to talk about today. Also the added fact that I feel like Pokemon Gold / Silver had the best box art out of any of the Pokemon games new or old. And i'll tell you why:
When Pokemon Gold first came out, I was hoping I was going to be getting it for Christmas that coming December, but I wasn't totally sold on that idea since we didn't really get those kinds of gifts growing up. However, I remember a phone call that I had with my grandma at the time because it was a few days before Christmas and my mom had handed me the phone. My grandma then asked me "is there one thing you really want for Christmas?" And I said "Yes, the new Pokemon game. It has a bird on the front and it's gold colored." That was the only description I gave at the time because I honestly didn't know how to describe it otherwise. Christmas morning comes around and I was stoked because there was a square box wrapped for me from my grandma so I knew what it was already. Upon opening it, I was not only excited, but I was in awe of what the box art looked like up close:
It is a memory that will forever stick in my brain because not only was it amazing to even get the game as a gift, but then upon playing it and subsequently playing through it, I realized just how amazing this game truly is. I talked about Pokemon Gold / Silver previously, so I don't want to go too in depth here, but I just remember starting with Cyndaquil on my first playthrough which is why he's my favorite starter of that generation.
As far as box art goes in general, it's evident that there really isn't that much attention to it anymore which is probably why some of the quality of box arts has diminished. I'm not saying any box art now is bad, but it's definitely lost its touch a little bit with everything trying to go all digital. I get it, I have an all digital console as well. But, I do try to look for box art whenever I can just to add to my own little collection. I will be most happy when I do find a copy of Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver in their box art. I have Pokemon Silver now but only the cartridge.
Anyway, yeah box art rules.