Looking back at what now seems like ancient times, Atari 2600 box art covers were easily the most detailed in design. The above image (Basketball for Atari) indicates the contrast between cover art and gameplay. What you see on the box cover is not what you see in the game. What we have here is a very realistic depiction of Basketball and then a game in its most simplest form, 2d.

Comparing these art covers to most recent game covers like Gears of War and Halo, it’s quite the revelation; the covers really do reflect the actual gameplay. It’s as close to the in-game design as it can be.

Just sayin….