Summary
Although reversible cover art is present in many of the best-selling video games of all time, it appears that often only the keenest-eyed fans and artists themselves will most likely notice and appreciate them past a complimentary nod of approval.
From invoking past inspirations to showcasing particularly evocative concept artwork, and interpreting the title’s variety, the cover art hidden behind manuals, disks, and leaflets is often applauded and appreciated by fans of the game itself.
Among the plethora of customizable options provided to players when they pick up a role-playing game such as CD Projekt Red’s 2020Cyberpunk 2077is that of gender. As a result of RPG titles' player-led narrative and customizability, many RPG developers have since decided to implement dual-sex representation on their game’s cover art. WhileCyberpunk 2077’s minimalist depiction of V can be flipped with the alternate gendered option, as can be done in-game, CD Projekt Red is not the first development studio to actively include such a representative option.
From Bioware’sMass Effect 3giving players access to a female Commander Shephard on the reverse cover, to Ubisoft’s more recentAssassin’s Creedtitles allowing the same customization. While it is not a groundbreaking revelation, and the option to play as either a female or male protagonist generally does not impact gameplay, the extension of player freedom and customization to the box art itself is an ingenious way to providean ample dose of inclusivity.
WhileMetroid: Samus Returnsmay be a 2017 3DS remake of the 1991 Game Boy titleMetroid 2: Return of Samus, the ground-up development of the title for Nintendo’s eighth-generation handheld showcasesSamus Returnsas more ofa reboot of the series than a spruced-up remaster.
However, if owners ofMetroid: Samus Returns' physical case were to look at the title’s inside cover, then the 2.5D Metroidvania title’s legacy roots would be shown for all to see. Although MercurySteam and Nintendo EPD have depicted Samus in an identical pose to that of the original Game Boy title, her bulky orange power armor can be seen - in all of its 1991 glory - on the inverse of the sleeve.
Before the studio’s acquisition and later liquidation by Microsoft in 2021 and 2024 respectively, Tango Gameworks' 2014 survival horror titleThe Evil Withinwas its first and - arguably - most well-known IP. Directed by former Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, and proving its success by spawning a further sequel in 2017,The Evil Withinwas a somewhat critical and commercial success.
While its front-facing cover art is an engaging and frightful image that seemingly entices players, hidden on the cover’s flip side is a much more artistically driven cover art image. Seemingly taking key inspiration from the minimalist style of titles such asResident Evil 4’s PAL and Japanese cover images, the striking contrast of buildings and silhouetted figures are engrossing and inspiring in a way that represents the game’s legacy while carving a future for itself.
If a title is lucky enough to be bestowed an alternative reversible cover art design, usually it’s done to showcase a certain piece of memorable concept art, to represent the game’s multiple protagonists, or to pay homage to the legacy of the titles that preceded it. However, when designing the reversible cover art forRatchet & Clank: All 4 Onein 2011, thecomedic crayon-like artthat “began its life as anApril Fool’s Day PlayStation.Blog post” was brought forth and given new life on store shelves.
While still representingtheRatchet & Clankspin-off’s focus on simultaneous multiplayer,All 4 One’s reversible cover art is instead designed in line with the series' tongue-in-cheek humor and antihero Captain Qwark’s ego-driven fantasies.
While its place within the expansiveMetal Gear Solidseries by Hideo Kojima is somewhat peculiar considering its prologue nature,Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroesis undeniably aMetal Geartitle through and through.
While its front-facing cover art may fit within the cut-and-dry “protagonist on the front” aesthetic of action titles,Ground Zeroes' reversible cover art showcases the quintessential artwork of Yoji Shinkawa. Appearing on Japanese, North American, and South American copies of the title,Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes' alternate cover art provides it with a cover art style that runs parallel tothat of the series' older titles.
Although many alternate cover art sleeves for titles may be preferred by some fans, due to their striking use of color or layout, most would agree that the original can be a palatable choice. However, with the 2013 release ofBioshock: Infinite, many outlets proclaimed that the depiction of the title’s protagonist on the cover betrayed a multi-game lineage of compelling cover art.
Pushing back against"the worst box art of the decade", the red and black illustration ofInfinite’s reversible cover was not only appealing to fans but chosen by them in an online poll. DepictingBioshock: Infinite’svillain-turned-ally The Songbirdamong the clouds and architecture of Columbia, the critically acclaimed title’s alternative cover not only pleased disgruntled fans at the time but has proven to be a consistent favorite since.
DespiteSonic Mania’s 2017 release garnering near-universal commercial and critical success, the 2D pixel art return to form was locked to digital storefronts for an entire year. However, with the physical release of the expandedSonic Mania Plus, Sonic fans were finally able to place the anniversary platformer on their shelves and enjoy the title’s front and alternate covers.
Although seemingly not present on the physical reissue ofSonic Mania, and reserved forPlus' physical edition, the 16-bit roots ofSonic Mania’s gameplay and aesthetic are placed on full display. Portrayed through a mock-up of Sega Mega Drive / Genesis cover art,Sonic Mania Plusnot only pays homage totheSonicseries' rootsbut enhances its aesthetic through such legacy artwork.
Although video game cover art is often seen adorning even the most minimalistic video game enthusiast’s walls in poster form, it is seemingly not particularly often that world-renowned artists are conscripted to offer their talents to the process. However, in 1993, science fiction artist Don Ivan Punchatz - most famous for a whole host of metal albums and science fiction covers - was hired by id Software to design the cover art for their latest FPS title,DOOM.
Years later, when the2016 reboot of theDOOMfranchiseis being developed, Punchatz’s original art is referenced by Alex Palma in the genre-defining series' return to the mainstream. WhileDOOM (2016)’s reversible cover art was a novel experience for many, those who picked up the title on Nintendo Switch through its 2017 port will be met with Palma’s reversible art front-and-center.
