Heavy Rain North American Box Art

It's always interesting to see the box art for high-profile games, and it's even more interesting to compare it to different designs chosen for other regions.

As most of you know by now, the highly anticipated PlayStation 3 exclusive, Heavy Rain, will launch in North America on February 23. We've also seen examples of the European box art before; it features nothing but a symbolic, bloodstained Origami crane, obviously referring to the Origami Killer featured in the game's storyline. Well, as you can see, the North American box art shows that as well but also tosses in pictures of each of the four main characters. Madison, the curvaceous investigative reporter already seen in some early videos (that nude scene definitely garnered plenty of attention), clearly has the spotlight, although you will see the story from other viewpoints as well. Analysts and publishers ardently believe that box art matters in terms of potential sales, although I think we can all agree this pertains more to impulse buys. Most who have resolved to buy Heavy Rain will almost undoubtedly buy it, regardless of the design on the case. But when it comes to those who are on the fence, box art that catches the eye when on store shelves is a definite benefit.

So what do you think? Do you like the North American or European box art better? The latter is more understated but then again, Americans seem to be missing subtlety a lot more these days (no offense, or anything).

Related Game(s): Heavy Rain

1/11/2010 8:59:11 PM John Shepard

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Comments (82 posts)

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EndZero
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 9:26:50 PM
Reply

At first I thought it was cool, then I didn't like it, now I think it's alright. The first US box art was better and more interesting in my opinion. This would look cool inside the case behind the disc and manual or in the back.

3 up, 0 down

NightHawk17
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 1:19:30 AM

At least this box art doesn't have all those stupid awards making the it look tacky;P

9 up, 0 down

OtisFeelgood
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 9:43:39 PM
Reply

Not bad.

3 up, 1 down

BlackBriar
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 2:42:14 PM

I Conquer, It's Not Bad. Looks Sexy and Mysterious. Can't Wait!

0 up, 2 down

Gregory Freeman
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 4:08:27 PM

not bad at all...

I can't wait for this game because i'll FINALLY be 17 when this game comes out... so I can finally independently purchase a M rated video game... they say you always remember your first, right? ;)

**21 DAYS LEFT CAN'T WAIT!!!**

Last edited by Gregory Freeman on 1/12/2010 4:09:14 PM

0 up, 2 down

tes37
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 9:46:49 PM
Reply

I like this box art. I bought Qore episode 20 for the Heavy Rain preview. After seeing it and playing that brief section I'm even more excited about this game.

Last edited by tes37 on 1/11/2010 9:47:22 PM

1 up, 0 down

sniperflash
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 9:48:30 PM
Reply

Well I like it j think it looks kinda cool I'm not so shure about this game but you know what I don't have many games on my agenda this spring because I have a baby comming soon so I'm trying to get away from playing so much and this is going to be my first kid but I'm thinking I might could buy this game 60 bucks and I really think that it will be a good thinker if you get to play it more than it looks like I don't care if it tells a long story like mgs as long as it is good it will do me I hope Im a big online shotter guy so I can always go back to those when I get bored with it and oh yeah when I ain't wiping dirty buts lol.

16-0

Last edited by sniperflash on 1/11/2010 9:51:37 PM

0 up, 2 down

Jed
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:09:23 PM

That is one of the longest sentences I have ever read.

I think my english teachers called that a run-on sentence.

10 up, 2 down

NeoHumpty
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:57:00 PM

Maybe he had too much coffee.

2 up, 0 down

NeoHumpty
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 9:56:18 PM
Reply

Oddly, if I do buy this one, I think I'll take the time and order the European version. I kinda dig the plain look better. Not something I usually care about, but this may be a good one for the collection value.

1 up, 1 down

Fane1024
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 1:55:58 AM

You could print an image of the PAL cover and put it in the case. That's what I did with R2.

2 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:22:30 AM

@NeoHumpty

Or not enough coffee????

0 up, 0 down

Karosso
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:02:19 PM
Reply

I also liked the plain one better, it looked less generic... Just my two cents.

4 up, 1 down

Kowhoho
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:06:19 PM
Reply

It definitely looks nice, I couldn't say whether either version looked better than the other. I've already reserved myself to purchasing this; I feel like it's my duty as a gamer to support a title as imaginative, inspiring, and (as you say Ben) intellectual as this. Besides, I'm already hooked by the story.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:13:33 PM
Reply

Hmmm, no Sir, I don't like it. They made Madison look like a guy.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 1/11/2010 10:14:47 PM

2 up, 1 down

Kowhoho
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:15:03 PM

Sorry to hear that. You planning on picking this up? Nice avatar by the way. You keeping this one?

Last edited by Kowhoho on 1/11/2010 10:20:30 PM

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:23:13 PM

I'll keep it for awhile, just not as long as Dante is gonna have to keep that tapestry sewn to his chest.

But yes, at some point I am getting this game for sure.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 1/11/2010 10:23:53 PM

0 up, 1 down

Kowhoho
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:00:20 PM

I'm pretty satisfied with mine, but don't ask me to do anything for an eternity (like Dante). Too much of anything is, well, too much.

I'm so excited for this game! You could call me a graphics whore and you'd be right, but that's not the only reason HR gets me riled up.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:08:34 PM

I think awesome graphics are required in certain games, at least for me, like right now I'm playing a couple PS2 jrpgs and it doesn't bother me that I'm dealing with older graphics but if I'm gonna play something more cinematic like HR is gonna be, I think the graphics are a huge plus to getting sucked into the story.

5 up, 1 down

Kowhoho
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:34:01 PM

I feel the same way. I've beaten FFX several times during the new generation alone, and while the graphics aren't that bad, it may bother some. Not me! I've actually started thinking about playing it again.

0 up, 0 down

oldmike
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:19:33 PM
Reply

i like it happy its still not in color

0 up, 0 down

Qubex
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:36:29 PM
Reply

Yhea, the plain cover may be better for the collection... minimalist!

Q!

"i am home"

3 up, 0 down

therabbitkinge
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:38:41 PM
Reply

No Ben your right about people missing subtlety nowadays. Companies think they have to put everything a product offers on the front cover in a very cluttered fashion instead of a more intruiging and subtle piece like the single oragami crane that graces the cover of the European box... now im a stickler when it comes to box art and the characters feel like they don't belong there (at least not like that) but I won't argue with the advertising aspect of the choice since it has to be eye catching.

5 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:09:51 PM

John wrote it.

...he did. I swear.

6 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:14:55 AM

haha, edited by the Easter Bunny too :)

2 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:26:22 AM

This is bizarre, I thought it was written by Ben too till I saw the writer's name.

Maybe because both Ben and John's writing styles are similar?

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:27:46 AM

Similar? Bah. You're on something, boy. ;)

2 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 1:59:38 AM

Ben, do you receive double pay checks? ; )

2 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:50:09 PM
Reply

I like both

The game will be sweet (this is what matters :O )

0 up, 0 down

godsman
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:58:49 PM
Reply

Wow it looks like a movie poster.

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 10:59:56 PM
Reply

Feels like a film noir!!

I WANT THIS! I WANT THIS! I WANT THIS!

The grandaddy of them all!

1 up, 1 down

Deleted User
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:02:19 PM
Reply

btw, like to add that it took Sony 15 years to add "ONLY ON PLAYSTATION" into their game box arts.
(started last year)

Doesnt it just looks nice? Love that sizzle. Haíl PLAYSTATION!

Last edited by n/a on 1/11/2010 11:03:00 PM

2 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:09:35 PM

I don't really like the new "PS3" thing on top though.

6 up, 3 down

Scarecrow
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:25:31 PM

Yeah...it was better on the side

THOUGH, I like the fact that the boxart is more square than rectangular (resembles ps1 CD covers :3 )

1 up, 1 down

NeoHumpty
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:18:24 AM

Yeah, I wish they would have stayed with the old logo for ps3. Now my new games don't match my old ones.

5 up, 1 down

BikerSaint
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:12:58 PM
Reply

The other cover get's my nod.......
Dripping rain over bloody-edged origami

2 up, 0 down

MRSUCCESS
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:15:15 PM
Reply

I'll definitely will be getting this game and Dante's Inferno. I like the European box art more with the strange vibe the origami adds to it. It'll be hard to play so many games with school starting around that time and LOVING Valkyria Chronicles. I bought it sometime last year and I must say Valkyria Chronicles is a jem. Definitely one of the best PS3 games (with MGS4 holding down 1st place, now and forever)

Last edited by MRSUCCESS on 1/11/2010 11:16:19 PM

2 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:16:59 PM
Reply

@WorldEndsWithMe It's identical to it's PS2 days only abbreviated. Looks sleek plus that Heavy Rain dynamic theme is bogus cool

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:16:40 AM

Nope, the font is different, and the older PS3 games without it and with more space for the art look better.

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:19:34 PM
Reply

@MRSUCCESS Agree. Valkyria Chronicles is underated. Ending is epic. Not sure if it still is.. but the DLC were on sale for $2.99 each.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:33:34 PM
Reply

am i the only one who could not care less about the box art?
i mean seriously they could put a picture of dane edna on the box for all i care.
i play my games, i dont look at the box art, i cant even remember what the art cover of darksiders is.
thats how little attention i pay to box covers.

the game on the other hand is a different story, im still seriously pissed that JP gets it 20 days earlier than me.
games are made in the US, there released in the US first.
games made in japan, there released in japan first.
games made in europe are released in japan first?
WTF?
hows that fair?
once again sony gives the finger to europe.
were their biggest supporter and this is how they repay us?
thanks for buying more consoles than the US brothers now sod off!
what a funny way to say thank you.

0 up, 7 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:19:08 AM

Australia isn't part of Europe.

3 up, 0 down

___________
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 7:13:42 AM

yes, but we normally carry their dates.

0 up, 0 down

King James
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:34:21 PM
Reply

*shakes fist*
"You win again Europe!"

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:47:30 PM
Reply

@King James They get the collectors edition of Heavy Rain

1 up, 0 down

Hezzron
Monday, January 11, 2010 @ 11:58:06 PM
Reply

It looks so-so-ish.

The origami looks like Madison has some kind of sash around her waist.

3 up, 0 down

Kangasfwa
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:32:37 AM
Reply

Publishers have done actual studies on what people like to see in the cover art. Not surprisingly, the results varied from region to region. The following two examples are general examples, I'm well aware not everyone will agree with the results.

North American gamers tend to associate with the characters in video games, which is why we so often see the main character portrayed on the box. However, in Europe, gamers tend to associate with the genre of the game, thus Europe receives a Noir cover for Heavy Rain.

Personally, I would have liked to see the "original" design used. The large, bloodied origami in front of a plain background. It captured my imagination and interest a whole lot more than any other options I've seen.

Last edited by Kangasfwa on 1/12/2010 12:34:54 AM

4 up, 0 down

Alienange
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:50:53 AM
Reply

Box art fail if you ask me. It looks like a damn poster for CSI Vegas with Sara Sidle leading the pack.

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 1:03:02 AM

Sidle is a strange one, got those Chiclet teeth.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:04:02 AM

If you squint you can see Grissom and Brass.

2 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 1:09:33 AM
Reply

I LIKE IT!

1 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 3:07:10 AM
Reply

This could probably be one of the best game I won't buy because I'm an action kind of guy so Heavy Rain will be no for me.

As for the box art, I think I prefer the European one since it feels like there's more mystery behind it.

Last edited by Snaaaake on 1/12/2010 3:07:22 AM

0 up, 0 down

herukuti
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 3:17:59 AM
Reply

i like the euro box art better

3 up, 0 down

Sol
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 3:34:22 AM
Reply

I say the box art can be summarized by one word...

"meh"

It's one of those covers that could definitely be better, but it isn't so horrible that you can't deal with it.

0 up, 0 down

soli
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 3:41:31 AM
Reply

once again am glad ill be getting the european version of a game.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 4:25:58 AM
Reply

Tacky

2 up, 1 down

chicko1983
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 4:52:16 AM
Reply

not bad but it should have just been the origami crane on a black background. simple but effective.

0 up, 0 down

tridon
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 5:39:56 AM
Reply

Obviously I'm going to think that the European box art is better with it's sweet-ass lenticular packaging and all, but this North American one isn't too shabby. Still though, the box art alone is the reason why I'm probably going to be importing Heavy Rain from Europe.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 6:33:08 AM

Really, you're like a toddler, more fascinated by the rapping paper than the present.

Last edited by Ultimadream on 1/12/2010 6:33:23 AM

3 up, 3 down

tridon
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 8:45:37 AM

If I was more fascinated about the Wrapping paper than the present, I'd buy it and throw the disc away. I'm PUMPED for this game. Have been for a long time now. So, if I have the option to buy two versions, one with a cooler cover, I'll buy that one. What's the difference? Either way, I get the "present".

3 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:04:47 AM

I think Ultima understood you. He said above that he considered the U.S. cover art to be "tacky" and you stated that you prefer the European cover. Then, he compares you to a toddler. LOL

I prefer the European cover art but I understand why they went with this cover for the U.S. market. They have to do what they can to get the consumer interest over here.

0 up, 0 down

Ultimadream
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:29:59 AM

Yes the cover art is crap (lets be honest here.) but i wouldnt go to the effort to import the game over a cover....

3 up, 0 down

tridon
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:23:59 PM

Hmm... looks like I won't be importing it, either. Never realized that DLC is not region-free. If I bought this from the UK, I'd have to go through the trouble of also buying a UK PSN card just so I could pick up the Chronicles episodes later. That sucks.

Oh, well. Either way, I still get to play the game on Feb. 23rd! =)

1 up, 0 down

Shatterday
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 7:13:34 AM
Reply

Well, it has nice cleavage.

1 up, 0 down

Robochic
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 7:58:47 AM
Reply

I like it !! can't wait!

2 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 3:15:59 PM

beautiful...

I don't know why most don't like it...I like it *shrug*

0 up, 0 down

Buckeyestar
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 8:21:02 AM
Reply

I like this version. I know lots of people like the version with just the origami on it, but that won't help sell copies. People are lazy enough to look at that plain and simple cover and won't be even drawn in to look at the back. It would get completely passed by.

I do find it head shakingly perplexing that people would be such anal nitpickers as to order a version from a different territory simply for the cover. If it means that much, just make up your version and print it out as a replacement. After getting back from your therapist, of course.

0 up, 1 down

FullmetalX10
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 8:37:09 AM
Reply

I too prefer the European version, simplistic and still creating that dreadfull atmosphere.
Next to that, I don't think Madison, thought it was madison, anyway, that girl, doesn't look that good at all, so double win for me living in europe. -1 win for the price rate though...

Btw, I think boxart is quite important, it's something you show the games off with. Like when someone comes to your house, and he/she be saying, I don't think Heavy Rain is all that cool, and then you show that awesome boxart and they be like *OMG it was cool after all* and then you be like *pimp slap* and then *WIN*

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 8:59:52 AM
Reply

I wasn't going to get this game right away, but now that I've seen the box art...

Last edited by Alienange on 1/12/2010 9:04:53 AM

3 up, 0 down

telly
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:24:17 AM
Reply

Cool

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:32:59 AM
Reply

At least I'm glad it doesn't have all those awards plastered all over the bottom.
(my opinion is that they should have been on the back of the box on the original cover art)

2 up, 0 down

mid10smaradoarg
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:46:41 AM
Reply

i like it

1 up, 0 down

Richy
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 9:52:12 AM
Reply

hello ...

nice art ...

i need to decide where i will import that game from! i can't wait for it.

cheers!

0 up, 0 down

swapnilgyani
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 10:25:49 AM
Reply

The one game that I bought instinctively in recent times because of the box art was Mirror's Edge.

Of the more recent lot, I think Assassin's Creed II and Modern Warfare 2 have the most appealing box art.

0 up, 0 down

556pineapple
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 10:50:38 AM
Reply

Gotta say I like the European version better. Maybe not enough to import it though.

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 10:51:22 AM
Reply

Looks slick.

But then again, I have been one to purchase a game because the box art looks good.

I sure hope people don't do that.

0 up, 0 down

tridon
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 12:26:06 PM
Reply

While we're on the topic of box art, am I the only one who thinks the box art for the first Uncharted was WAY better than the box art for the second game? The second's cover just looked like a screenshot. The first game had that cool Indiana Jones vibe to the cover.

Anyway, back to Heavy Rain...

0 up, 0 down

NoSmokingBandit
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 1:34:07 PM
Reply

EU version is a whole lot better. Sometimes less is more, and throwing all the crap on the US cover just makes it ugly.

1 up, 0 down

tridon
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 3:32:25 PM
Reply

I just read over at the Playstation Blog that there's probably going to be an option to print off the EU cover art to replace the NA one. Pretty cool.

1 up, 0 down

BlackBriar
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 4:18:23 PM
Reply

what kind of paper do you buy? To Print a different game cover? Can you find that in Staples or Office Depot?

0 up, 0 down

Bugzbunny109
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 6:41:50 PM
Reply

HATE IT. The last box cover effectively portrayed the ambience of the game; but this cover only gives the basic information about the game-4 characters trying to solve a puzzle. The last cover portrayed the connotations of the game, but this portrays on the denotations of the game. In my perspective, connotation is just as important as the denotations of the game. I am more interested in the feelings the game will invoke in me; rather than who does it i.e. characters....

0 up, 0 down

Kr3sn1k
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 @ 7:48:51 PM
Reply

I like the cover i think its realy good although i like the european one better (not sure which cover was shown on the site befor) im not gona complain though they can do what ever they want to the cover all that matters is whats inside the cover

0 up, 0 down

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