10 of the best game covers of all time

We have all heard the saying, dont judge a book by its cover, but not many of us follow this. It is not very different when it comes to the world of gaming. The art of designing the perfect game cover in order to lure gamers is an art form that is indeed very hard to master. The game cover is similar to the concept of a first impression and hence it is important that the cover is attractive.Here we shall have a look at ten such game covers that impressed gamers all over the world. We will see why the cover deserves the spot and how it brings out the essence of the game. Let the countdown begin!

#10 Resident Evil (1996)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Just one look at the cover and you cannot resist the urge to play the game. Chris Redfield’s vein-ridden forearms clinging on to the deadly shotgun is what makes this cover a memorable one. However, the franchise has diminished over time as it came up with a forgettable cover for Resident Evil 6.

How does the cover represent the game?

The cover may not feature any zombies but do not let that fool you, the horror-stricken look on Chris’ face goes on to indicate that the game will feature some horrifying opponents which may make the spiders on the cover seem like cute puppies.

#9 Star Craft (1998)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Just one look at the cover and you are unable to look away from it. The wicked orange glow of the Protoss’ eyes makes it difficult to look away from the cover of what is by far one of the greatest real time strategy games ever made. The alien takes up all the limelight in the cover and having said that it would make sense as they are the main part of the game.

How does the cover represent the game?

The main reason behind Star Craft’s success is that the game featured three unique playable factions and they are all featured on the cover. Star Craft is unique as unlike other RTS games each faction was unique and had special abilities of their own.

#8 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’ western cover is the one that is truly awe inspiring. Here we see Nathan Drake being fingertips away from plummeting to his doom. You have to agree with me, this does look incredible.

The game series revolves around treasure hunting and is known for their excellent cover art however, it is Uncharted 2: Among Thieves that has the best art as it puts the hero in a dicey situation.

How does the cover represent the game?

If we choose to look past the absorbing shooting mechanics incorporated in the game, we can safely say that it is based around climbing up ancient buildings and clambering your way out of wreckages. The cover in fact depicts the game in a very cinematic and beautiful way.

#7 Borderlands (2009)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

The biggest challenge for the game developers was that Borderlands was released around the same time as Halo 3: ODST and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Borderlands had the task of wooing the attention of the buyers who would normally purchase the most tried and tested first person shooters. Gearbox Software came up with an ingenious way of attracting the attention of gamers. Their solution was an eye-catching, controversial box cover to get the game noticed.

Though not many would notice, the cover sends a clear message, ‘this RPG is going to blow your mind’, and the game did live up to this lofty promise.

How does the cover represent the game?

Borderlands is a game where the greed consumes the people on planet Pandora. This in turn leads to total chaos. The cover features a bandit who is trying to blow his head off and this is certainly typical of the crazy, unforgettable experience of Borderlands.

#6 Ico (2001)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Not many would notice this but Ico’s superb cover is based on the surrealist painter Giorgio de Chirico’s The Nostalgia of the Infinite. De Chirico is famous for being able to transfer his subconscious landscapes and dreams onto the canvas.

If you look at the cover carefully you will see that it looks as if you are watching someone’s dream. I am sure the nostalgia is starting to roll in for all those who have played this unique game.

How does the cover represent the game?

The cover is suggestive of the dream like experience of playing the game. The game’s director Fumito Ueda made the game ending such that we would never actually know if Yorda was alive, if she traveled with Ico or if the whole experience was the protagonist’s dream. However, if you look at the cover you might just get the feeling that the entire game was just a long dream.

#5 Dead Space (2008)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Readers please, I know you just cannot take your eyes off the severed arm that is floating in open space but I request you to read this. Dead Space’s cover is very dark but it delivers the message without actually revealing the sinister beings responsible for the arm floating in space, the Necromorphs.

How does the cover represent the game?

When it first came out, Dead Space was the game that helped bring the survival-horror genre back to life, how ironic! The games protagonist, Isaac, was isolated, low on ammunition and the enemies were utterly terrifying. The darkness shown in the game’s cover is suggestive of the horrors that Isaac would have to face when he ventures into the USG Ishimura and its many, dimly-lit corridors.

#4 Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Believe it or not the paneling style to depict various examples of the crime, corruption is what GTA covers are famous for. It was very hard to choose the best GTA cover but I suppose GTA IV certainly qualifies. You may not be able to meet the woman eating the lollipop but the various panels are indicative of the many stories present in the game.

How does the cover represent the game?

If you just look at the cover once, I am sure your eyes will be glued to Niko. The cover designers did a good job as they made sure that Niko’s panel remains the focal point of the cover. He may have come to America in order to make an honest living for himself but the various panels around Niko’s suggest otherwise.

#3 L.A. Noire (1996)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Imagine the cover, without the writing that says, ‘Rockstar Games Presenta L.A. Noire.’ It would look as if the cover was a promotional poster for an iconic blockbuster movie! Cole Phelps would certainly qualify for the post of a lead actor. No other cover has been as movie like as this one.

How does the cover represent the game?

The game is just like the cover. I plays out like a movie and is vary focused on narrative. Cole Phelps, the main character in the game is well developed through flashbacks and gameplay. Another interesting thing would be the red and blue hues used for the images in the background. The two colours would go on to suggest the involvement of police in the game.

#2 God of War III (2010)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

God of War is by far one of the best hack and slash game series ever. Every game in the series has mind-blowing cover art but God of War III is the one that stands out as the best. Kratos’s iconic stare is what makes the game cover so unique. Just one look into those intense eyes is enough to make you play the game.

How does the cover represent the game?

Kratos as we all know is known for his immense ferocity and the ruthlessness with which he decimates all his enemies. This cover perfectly captures the rage and irrepressible thirst for revenge which defines the character.

#1 Portal (2007)

Why is it worthy of this spot?

Portal’s cover makes it clear that you need not have flashy, colourful video game covers in order to make them look appealing. Valve has made it a point to use limited colours and a simple design but has come up with a masterpiece. One look at the cover art and you knew what the game was all about.

How does the cover represent the game?

One of the best things about the cover is that even though the design is simple, it is self-explanatory. The gameplay in itself is very interesting and uncomplicated and this cover tells you everything you need to do in the game. One of the best covers ever, Portal deserves the number one spot in the list.