In the realm of gaming nostalgia, there exists a realm of iconic titles that evoke a cacophony of emotions - from the thrill of triumph to the agony of defeat. Among these venerated classics is Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship Of Doom, a notorious action-adventure behemoth for the NES that put players’ skills to the ultimate test. But as we settle in for another round of Box Art Brawl, the question on our minds is not which version reignites the most in-game intensity, but rather which cover art rekindles the visual intensity that initially drew us in. The contenders are gathered, the polls are open – let’s delve into the duel and see which NES-era artwork manages to duel its way to the top.
Last Weeks Results
Last week, we took a trip to Hyrule for a Box Art Brawl featuring The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The results are in, and Japan’s box art takes the win with a whopping 67% of the votes. Europe and North America’s box art wasn’t far behind, but it looks like the Japanese version did it best.
The top 5 reasons for the win include:
- Beautiful and distinctive artwork
- More vibrant and detailed
- Sense of nostalgia
- Recognizable Zelda logo
- More classic feel
| Region | Votes |
|---|---|
| Japan | 67% |
| Europe and North America | 33% |
Ninja Gaiden III Box Art Breakdown
Let’s begin dissecting the North American box art, often shrouded in infamy and scrutinized by critics, but we’ll break it down into the smallest of details.
The box art for Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship Of Doom is recognizable but carries some misguided decisions in retrospect. Notable detractors include:
- Ryu’s costume takes a darker, almost brownish hue, starkly contrasting the traditional ninja outfit we are familiar with in popular media and even the actual in-game model.
- Imbalanced composition creates a sense of depth issue: The prominent positioning of Ryu in the background with enemies in the foreground can be jarring to the viewer.
- Enemy selection, opting for more sci-fi influenced menaces compared to the game’s array of diverse antagonists.
- Misleading title, Ancient Ship Of Doom gives off the wrong impression of being a pirate-themed game.
A quick comparison of the box art of the game’s western and Japanese versions reveals stark contrasts in overall design philosophy.
| Edition | Main Character Focus | Color Scheme | Environmental Elements |
| North American | Ryu in a darker setting | Bolder, darker palette | Enemies and the Ancient Ship in background |
| Japanese version | Ryu in a notable centerpiece pose | More vibrant, traditional Japanese colors | A demonic-themed backdrop setting |
The Japanese Edition
Compared to the Western versions, the Japanese box art takes a drastically different approach. Here, we see Ryu Hayabusa standing triumphantly atop the flying fortress, with flames engulfing the structure beneath him. The background has a dark, distorted effect, which adds a sense of chaos and urgency to the overall image. Noticeably, there are no hints of supernatural or sci-fi elements, unlike its Western counterparts.
Key Features to Note:
- • Ryu standing heroically on the flying fortress
- • Flames engulfing the structure below
- • Ominous, distorted background effect
- • Absence of sci-fi elements
| Japanese Box Art | Unique Elements |
|---|---|
| Flying fortress protagonist backdrop | Dramatized flames below Ryu |
| Dark, distorted background | Lack of sci-fi details |
The North American Edition
This time around we’re looking at the box art of Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship Of Doom, a challenging platformer widely regarded as one of the tougher games in the NES library. The Ninja Gaiden series has always been known for its eye-catching cover art and this third installment is no exception. But which region’s box art do you think looks the most striking?
In the US, Ninja Gaiden III boasts a relatively dark and somber tone with grayscale artwork, whereas in Europe, the box art features a flashy and vibrant design, complete with brightly colored lightning bolts and a sense of action.
| Regional Box Art | Unique Elements |
| US |
|
| Europe |
|
So, take a moment to examine these two options and decide: do the sleek, dark visuals of the US box art or the flashy, over-the-top design of the European box art win your vote?
Our Verdict
It seems the North American box art took the win this time, with 53% of the vote. While the European box art fans weren’t far behind with 47%, it’s clear that Ryu’s dramatic pose in the North American box art sealed the deal for many of you. As we can see in the table below, the votes were quite divided:
Alternative Cover Options
Box art alternatives often provide a fascinating look into what could have been, offering insights into different design approaches and regional preferences. For Ninja Gaiden III, some deviate from the protagonist-centric approach, instead focusing on the game’s fantastical elements. Here are a few examples:
- The North American ’ninja pose’ alternative cover showcases Ryu standing atop a spectral, glowing staircase, surrounded by the murky depths of the underworld. The warm, sunset-inspired colors evoke a sense of mysticism and danger.
- The Spanish version’s cover art, featuring a relatively unknown illustration by comic book artist, Enric Torres-Prat, highlights the dark and the supernatural, while incorporating familiar elements from the game.
| Region | Released Cover Art | Alternative Cover Art |
| North America | Ryu in a combat stance | Ryu on a glowing staircase |
| Spain | Generic ninja action scene | Enric Torres-Prat’s illustration |
Comparing these to the original box art provides an engaging insight into the world of box art design. Some cover options seem to better convey the essence of the game, while others leave a lasting impression through their exclusivity and rarity.
This Weeks Rules
This week, we’re diving into the world of ninja fantasy with a thrilling duel between two box art variants for Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship Of Doom on the NES. To ensure a fair and fun poll, here are the rules to follow:
- Review the box art contenders below: Before casting your vote, take a closer look at both the North American and European box art designs for Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship Of Doom.
- Choose your preferred design: Based on your first impression, vote for the box art that impresses you the most.
- Share your thoughts: In the comments section, tell us why you chose your preferred design and what makes it stand out to you.
| Voting Period: | This poll will run for 7 days |
| Vote Restrictions: | One vote per user |
| Results: | The winner will be announced after the voting period ends |
In Conclusion
The battle has been fought, and the people have spoken. The iconic box art of Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship Of Doom has been put to the test, and the victor stands tall. But regardless of which region’s artwork reigns supreme, one thing is clear: the box art of this classic NES game is a testament to the nostalgia and graphical prowess of a bygone era. As we pack up our swords and bid farewell to this duel, we invite you to join us in our next Box Art Brawl, where a new matchup awaits, and the outcome is far from certain.
