Big Brain Academy Wii Degree

Now this is more like it, US and Japanese box art that couldn't be more different right down to the different names. My Japanese is only advanced enough that I can read the hiragana (which is in romaji underneath it anyway) not understand what it means, but I'm guessing Wii de Yawaraka Atama Juku doesn't translate to Big Brain Academy Wii Degree.

The first thing that comes to mind is: What is up with Nintendo of Japan and yellow box art lately? Regardless, the Japanese design looks nicer, particularly the images of the puzzles in the background. The US box art is way too goofy and slapped together looking (as most US box art usually is). I'm not a big fan of Mii's either and the Japanese version doesn't make them the main focus.

It's interesting that this game is being branded with the Touch Generations logo in the States. So far, Touch Generations has been used exclusively for Nintendo's DS games that appeal to everyone and focus on touch screen use. Perhaps we'll see a Waggle Generations line of games in the Wii's future.

Also of note is the "Game Experience May Change During Online Play" on the US box, indicating previously unannounced online play. I can only imagine the kind of smack talk one might hear after a particularly rousing match of "Count the Boxes".

Super Paper Mario

Super Paper Mario just might be one of those rare cases where the American box art is actually superior to the Japanese design. Not that the Japanese cover is bad by any means but the US art is a bit more cohesive and decidely less...yellow. The US cover also incorporates the "into-the-screen" 3D aspect of the game into its design, which is a nice touch.

I do like the strange fellow peeking out from the flap in the corner of the Japanese cover though...

I also find it interesting that every character on the Japanese cover, including the butterfly, is facing the opposite direction on the US cover. It's like whoever was in charge of the US box art had to make it as different from the Japanese cover as possible.