Detailed individual crits by DMS.

[dmshaposv]

Hey gang,
I have recently been getting a lot of PMs from members asking for my opinion on their boxes. So I decided to make this thread - its basically the opposite of a WiP thread. Instead of me posting my boxes and asking for crits, anyone can post their boxes and expect a crit from me. Unlike other WiP threads, my crits will be specific and will judge on the following parameters:

- Originality: How unique the box is.
- Capacity: What I expect the artist to be capable of.
- Composition: The layout of images and text as well as the use of colors.
- Typography: The type of fonts used and how they are used.

After critiquing the piece, I will also offer advice on how I think they could improve. This is of course optional advice - which they may or may not make use of as I believe that an artist's personal vision of how their box should be like is more important.

I will try to help out as many of you as I can, sometimes I may not always reply on the date you posted but I will try my best to reply with constructive criticism ASAP. ;)

NOTE: I will only critique WiPs and not boxes which have already been uploaded on the main site.

NOTE 2: I would suggest everyone to post their final WiP in this thread which they would normally upload on the main site, instead of in between WiPs. This will help ensure a more detailed and complete crit as possible

[Mr. Robot]

Ok, this is already posted, and you can go check out my box, but I really like your art. So how should I improve this box? http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u202/Rizolent/BoxV2-1.png

[DeathSpawn11]

I don't think you realize what you're getting into DMS haha

[MARKER]

Woo Hoo... here's my latest WIP.... LOL

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb211/m4rk3r/critic.jpg



I'll have to agree with DS11 ;)

[xIAMHUNTERx]

Aw, and I felt I was the recipient of something exclusive. :(

So will you be charging for these services, a la Red Light District? :P

[dmshaposv]

Okami - Mr.Robot.

NOTE: From hence onwards I will only critique WiPs and not boxes which have already been uploaded on the main site.

Originality: Considering its your first box it definitely is quite good. There may be some influences from some past okami boxes, but it still is unique enough on its own.

Capacity: You seem to have skill, and you've done justice to the artwork. Looking forward to more work from you. ;)

Composition: Ok the important stuff now.

Front cover - Amaterasu could've been tilted a bit more to the right so as to give an impression that she is lunging. It would be a good idea not to show the feet so as to not give an impression she is "floating".

Back cover - Screenshots are well placed, and so is amaterasu and that scroll. A way to make more use of space would've been to reduce the size of the scroll (not the text size in it) and have another image placed above next to ama, maybe some rose petals, or a sun or another character - whatever article would "feel" right.

Also ama's head in the scroll seems random and misplaced. Maybe exchange it with an item? the celestial brush?

Typography: Very good choice of font. You could put the "ported to PS3" stuff on the top right hand corner of the back cover. However, its original position also seems okay, but you could've used seperate text layers for each sentence and then bring the whole thing closer to each other.

Technical note: Clover studio or ready at dawn (wii port) dev logo missing. You could add either one. :)

Hope this helps.

------------------------------

@ DS/MARKER, Its alright I'll manage as much as I can. ;)

BTW that pic gets ZERO for originality marker. :p

[Mr. Robot]

Thank you so much!! I will update according to your crits, k? And be sure to check out my box when I update it!

[Ayron]

Allthough this has it's own thread-- i'd love some deep criticism..



http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/ayr0n/RDG.png

[TheSlyder]

This is exactly what I'm in need of (For every box of mine, to be honest.)

I can never seem to get anyone to give me a good, deep, critique of my work, but now you've delivered just what the doctor ordered.

I'm guessing I can't just ask for a critique for ALL of my boxes (All four of them, three excluding the Zelda box set) so I'll just ask for you to give me what you've got on my MKM box. (http://vgboxart.com/view/14812/mortal.kombat.mythologies.noob.saibot/?replies=21)

Please be as specific and nit-picky as possible, and don't worry about feelings, if there's flaws, by God, I want to know about them (And why you think so, and how I could improve on them.)

Oh yes, I'm looking forward to this.

[dmshaposv]

Race Driver GRID - Ayron.

Originality: Well its looking very unique indeed. Sort of a hybrid between a typical arcade street-racer cover and a regular car racing game. Some interesting effects.

Capacity: I think you've mastered a lot of techniques over the past year. I think you can make this into a very stylish cover - you seem to have great ideas but sometimes are not able to execute them that well.

Composition:

I really like a lot of things about this cover. The part which is most successful for me is the logo placement and the two cars beneath it. The part that doesn't work for me are the two cars above the logo - they seem out of place and would make more sense if this was a burnout cover.

The cityscape above the logo is a wonderful idea, flesh that out more (maybe by increasing the opacity). The faded car behind seems random IMO - you can fill that space up by increasing the size of your cityscape.

I actually like the fractal renders, they give a "zooming by the city" feel. Very slick.

Also, you could try and add some sort of ground/road beneath the two cars and overlay/fade it so it looks part of the red background. Getting the perspective right of the road maybe a challenge, but I'm sure you'll find the right stock and will be able to pull it off. :)


Typography: There is no text at the moment except the logo, so there is nothing to comment.

Hope this helps, I look forward to seeing and critiquing a final update. ;)

[dmshaposv]

This is exactly what I'm in need of (For every box of mine, to be honest.)

I can never seem to get anyone to give me a good, deep, critique of my work, but now you've delivered just what the doctor ordered.

I'm guessing I can't just ask for a critique for ALL of my boxes (All four of them, three excluding the Zelda box set) so I'll just ask for you to give me what you've got on my MKM box. (http://vgboxart.com/view/14812/mortal.kombat.mythologies.noob.saibot/?replies=21)

Please be as specific and nit-picky as possible, and don't worry about feelings, if there's flaws, by God, I want to know about them (And why you think so, and how I could improve on them.)

Oh yes, I'm looking forward to this.

As much as I'd like to critique it, I've decided I'll only critique WiPs and not boxes which have already been uploaded on the main site (as stated above). Otherwise, I'll have too much on my plate. I hope you understand.

I will however say this, one thing I felt was that you didn't "market" your box that well. While crediting is always a good thing, it also gives an impression that your actual effort in making the box is less - so I definitely suggest you put your credits in the first post you make on the box instead of putting them on the box image. The viewer's attention should be completely on the boxart and not other messages written around the box. ;)

[TheSlyder]

As much as I'd like to critique it, I've decided I'll only critique WiPs and not boxes which have already been uploaded on the main site (as stated above). Otherwise, I'll have too much on my plate. I hope you understand.

I will however say this, one thing I felt was that you didn't "market" your box that well. While crediting is always a good thing, it also gives an impression that your actual effort in making the box is less - so I definitely suggest you put your credits in the first post you make on the box instead of putting them on the box image. The viewer's attention should be completely on the boxart and not other messages written around the box. ;)

That's very unfortunate, though I understand completely. Thank you for the advice, it's something I hadn't considered. I'll probably do that with my next project.

[Ayron]

hmm.. it's going pretty well.. but-- due to size of the box, i'm having Typography problems.. >.<'
Thanks alot for recent criticism,btw.


http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/ayr0n/RDGcopy.png

[Arsh]

Great idea for a thread... though hopefully it doesn't become overloaded.

Here's a GTA4 one that I was working on a couple days ago. What can I do to make it better?

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7397/gta4boxfull2aa0.jpg

[Kaiboy12]

I know I already posted this in another post, but could you critique please?http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6352/burnoutparadise2oc4.png

Thanks in advance.

[dmshaposv]

Sorry I wasn't able to comment on the final update Ayron before you posted it on the main site. However, it seems to have turned out great anyway! ;)

--------------------------------------------------------------------

GTAIV - Arsh.

Originality: Well it definitely has some style to it. Like the white color scheme, although some elements seem familiar. ;)

Capacity: I haven’t seen you post much, but you certainly show a lot of different ideas in your WiPs. I suggest uploading boxes often so that people can help you out more with some of the techniques - as you’ve definitely got the ideas but I feel you don’t execute them as well.

Composition:

Front cover – I think you were going for a minimal cover, and it works well. Niko looks like a badass with bloodstained clothes. However I feel the logo needs to be centered, and maybe black. Also try “Arial” or “Arial rounded” instead of the font you are using – as they use those fonts in the official banners for release date text so that might suit more with R*s style.

Spine – I always believe that the spine should “flow” with the box. I think it should be black on white instead the other way around. Also a solid colored silhouette of lady liberty would look better than a multi-colored one IMO. Same crit for the logo typeface as stated above.

Back – It works, but it could be better. Maybe nudge the screens a bit more to the right (all of them) and add some grey background or gradient like how you did in the front cover behind Niko to kill some of the plain white-ness.

I think the red cityscape needs some work, maybe use more definite silhouettes than the sketchy ones I see right now. I suggest looking for custom shapes/brushes for these at regular art resource websites like deviantart. Also I suggest making it light grey as the red is kinda harsh on the eyes.

Typography: For the text, I suggest using a different font. “Arial” or even “BankGothic” the official font used on official GTA boxes. I suggest adding some red to the synopsis to highlight important words – like “American Dream, Niko Bellic, Roman, e.t.c.” – this will help counterbalance the red bloodstain on Niko’s shirt.

Best of luck with this. ;)

[dmshaposv]

Burnout Paradise – Kailboy12

Originality: It looks quite nice, I can see some slight inspiration from other burnout boxes but this one stands out on its own too.

Capacity: I just had a look through your profile page – unfortunately I haven’t commented on any of your work, but you do seem to be quite skilled. I think you can pull this box off even better.

Composition:

Front cover – It looks good, but I feel that it needs more “action”. It seems just like a broken down car at the moment. Maybe have some cars flying about, or grinding. That blue car in the air far away looks kinda random – maybe use a better render of such a car. Also you could add some clouds or so on the blue BG behind (using a cloud brush). Try adding some "sparks" - basically use a glow orb brush and then add motion blur to them - but of course there are other ways to make them too.

Spine – I definitely think you should get rid of this. It doesn’t seem to flow at all, and frankly its just the logo on a white BG. I’d rather you have no spine than have a crappy one. If you really want to keep it, may be make it more interesting – add some tyre tracks, e.t.c.

There is not hard and fast rule for having a spine in a 2D presentation, so I suggest only do a spine if you have a better idea than just putting the logo on a plain BG.

Back –

It does look chaotic like the game, but I think you need to blend stuff a bit more.The black edges seem to stand out a bit on some of the screenshots. Also you should try and distribute those stop signs, liscense plates, e.t.c. around the whole box instead of cramping them on the bottom right hand corner.

Typography: Go for some grungy fonts for this one. The text looks too “clean” to be that of a burnout box. The text placements seem fine, though.

Good luck. :)

[Kaiboy12]

Thanks for your critique. I will update with your suggestions.

[HalfSwiss]

This has a thread, but I need critiques.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s195/HalfSwiss/Boxes/mariokartwiiwip-1.png

[dmshaposv]

MarioKart Wii – HalfSwiss

Originality: It looks different, I’ll give it that. However I feel that you need to still give an impression that its a racing game by adding more action.

Capacity: I just had a look through your profile page – you’ve obviously tried your hand at other type of boxes along with a lot of sonic boxes. It’s a good start to move out from sonic boxes and into games with different art style; I also hope to see more boxes from you in different genres. :)

Composition:

I like the unique approach, but you need to add more “action” into the box. First of all I suggest spacing out the characters slightly – maybe add a road/ground to show they’re on something. Maybe nudge up the main logo up slightly, a remove the white circle in it, but leaving the blue part around it. Then you could probably try adding some “effects”, refer to my crit to kailboy12’s burnout box. Maybe add some motion blur to some of the characters by duplicating the layer, adding motion blur to the original layer and having the copy on top of it.

Typography: Nothing to comment here at the moment.

Go ahead; I’m sure you can come up with something interesting with the back cover too. Remember to post only the final update so I can give a more detailed crit. :)

[Ayron]

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/ayr0n/unchartedcopy.jpg

don't mind dev/esrb ;)

[Lenny819]

so you only look at unuploaded?

Edit: did it a daybefore thread, oh well

[dmshaposv]

NEW NOTICE: I would suggest everyone to post their final WiP in this thread which they would normally upload on the main site, instead of in between WiPs. This will help ensure a more detailed and complete crit as possible

Opening post updated. :)


so you only look at unuploaded?

Yes. Read the Opening post for updates too.


Uncharted box.

don't mind dev/esrb ;)

Since I just put up the new notice, would you like me to comment on this WiP or would you like me to wait and comment on a final WiP?

My crit for the final WiP (with your back cover) would be more detailed. ;)

[Ayron]

Sorry mate--will post only final WIP's from now on ;)

For this[and last]time,could you critique this and give tips in advance for the back?
i won't trouble you with a final update,if that's the case ^.^

[dmshaposv]

No problem. ;)

Uncharted – Ayron

Originality: It looks original alright. Interesting blending and good mix of greens and browns. Nice to see someone use this different render of Nate and Elena.

Capacity: I expect you to do something completely unique for the back cover. So far we’ve been through usual compasses, maps, newspaper clippings, e.t.c. This is where you can make your box shine by doing something different – maybe have something to do with the “jungle”. Plant/organic type screen frames? Lots of possibilities.

Composition:

As I said earlier, you’ve blended the images very interestingly. Maybe you could blend some more elements like some enemies and/or characters around it. Also, maybe add some map pieces. While I like the compass image, I would like to see the complete dial on it , as I feel it gets obscured by its own self-shadow – so you could look for another stock or do some photoshop magic (clone tool) – whatever you feel you can do best. :)

Typography: Nothing to comment here at the moment.

;)

[Ayron]

Thanks alot!-- i was,indeed planning on adding more blended images to the front.
I'm still making a back,concept though... i might go jungle/cavern-style.

Ty,once more!

[xIAMHUNTERx]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/xIAMHUNTERx/unchartedPSPwipcopy.png

*whistles*

EDIT: Oh, bollocks; I didn't notice the leakage on the side. >_________>

[DeathSpawn11]

Oh, bollocks; I didn't notice the leakage on the side. >_________>

sorry, but it has to be done.
that's what she said! :p

excuse the off-topicness there. I'll have an actual WIP up here soon. Just gotta start the back.

[dmshaposv]

Disclaimer: The image bleeding is so bad, it may effect this crit. ;)

Uncharted: The Triangle – xIAMHUNTERx

Originality: Well I was going through some uncharted artwork lately, and the one you are using hasn’t been used by Blairy (who has used pretty much every artwork of this game) and most other uncharted boxes. However while its different in this aspect, Its also an odd choice for a boxart. Still it may have potential to become something entirely different.

Capacity: You have been doing different things lately, which is always good. Although I think you must practice more with back covers, as you show immense potential and your concept for front covers are let down by the backs. Also take care of quality issues.

Composition:

Front cover – Well I think it needs some more elements blended into it, as I told Ayron for his box. Something that would not make it just like Nate in front of a rusty ship. Maybe have that white grungy grass thing on the side. Have elements of maps/compass/enemies/characters blended around – just to make it more exciting. Also try to works some photoshop magic so that we can see nate’s gun (try to tilt his arm a bit to adjust it below the logo title). I like the logo, but maybe make the brown stuff behind “The Triangle” look more parchment like. Or maybe just tilt it a bit.

Spine – No problems here, in fact the best aspect, but that’s also because it needs the least amount of imagery/text. Leave it untouched at the moment. Although if you change the logo (the brown stuff behind “The Triangle”), don’t forget to update the spine!

Back – I’ll be honest, I don’t like it. You’ve just lazily continued the front image. I suggest using a different image and do something more with plant/organic elements or some grunge. Maybe add some parchment/compass/e.t.c usual stuff. However it depends on how unique you want to make it. I’ll leave that up to you. But the current back is a no-no IMO.

Typography: Good grungy font, but the texture on it makes it hard to see. Partly due to the continued BG image from the front. I again suggest changing the BG here too, so that your textured tagline is legible. Also its not a good idea to break words in a tagline. That “MYS – TERIES” is unacceptable. Just adjust the text size, or have separate text layers for every word (that’s what I do for my taglines) – but the idea is to have complete words in a tagline, you have loads of space on the back, why cramp and break up stuff? ;)

[xIAMHUNTERx]

:p

I was kinda tired when I started on that one.

EDIT: Can I post update WIPs here?

[dmshaposv]

:p

I was kinda tired when I started on that one.

EDIT: Can I post update WIPs here?

Yeah but I'd have to kill yeah.

But seriously I suggest everyone to put there final WiP so that the crit is more detailed than inbetween ones. Makes life easier for me and the person who'd have to make the WiPs.

However since I just put this update yesterday, I'll be willing to crit your final WiP for this box. ;)

[xIAMHUNTERx]

Haha, mkay.

Well I'm updating my Mass Effect box just for yew, so I wanna make sure it passes the litmus test before I update. :P

[Kirbylore]

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg188/kirbylore/ChaoslegionEndofChaosfinaledit.jpg

I made it for The Slyder's weekend thing. The only credit would be Koopa for the temp and I guess LK for the leather pieces (bordering the back), but I cut those out myself. I made everything else myself, including the grundge strips behind the text, and the logo also! :) Thanks for critiqing it!

[master_general]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/Master-General/GHOTWiPcopy.jpg

Still working on it but need some last minute critque before adding text

[dmshaposv]

Chaos Legion – Kirbylore

Originality: I went through some of the Chaos Legion boxes. The artwork here doesn’t seem to be used often (for the front cover at least) so that’s good. The logo also looks interesting.

Capacity: I like your stuff Kirby. You always try something different, and I was surprised I missed so many gems on your profile page. You seem to have a hang of Photoshop very well, I only think you need to organize your back covers more interestingly, but you’ve basically got the idea. ;)

Composition:

Front cover – Like I said its new artwork. But I think you could make the front cover a lot more interesting. I think it needs some contrast or be a little darker. Maybe blend one or two character on the sides. It looks quite “glowy” and nice, but I feel this game is a bit darker in tone – grungier – like Devil May Cry, and your back cover stands more in contrast to your front. Maybe try a different type of artwork that compliments your back cover too? While I like your custom made logo, usually subtitles are in a different font and color than the main logo. You could try to change the colors of the main logo too. Also maybe have that “end of chaos” part in some sort of serif font and have a grungy background behind it (look at how hunter did the “The triangle” part for his WiP above).

Back – Yes, the back looks great! I still have some suggestions though. Try for grungier looking screenshot frames (or edges). Maybe have another character render with the girl just to fill the space a bit more. Also, I think you can be a bit experimental and slant everything a bit (except the render). The tagline, the synopsis and the screenshot frames. Also I suggest adding one more screenshot just below the other two (resize it to adjust) and nudge the synopsis a little lower.

Technical error: The “capcom” logo shouldn’t be where you placed it. Put it in the grey area where you see the Nintendo logo and address.

To fill that now empty space near the girl, you could add the website addy of the game there instead, also probably don’t slant it if you do slant everything else. ;)

Typography: I like the font, even though it may seem an odd choice at first. Maye use a different font for the tagline, or maybe just add color to the exsisting font to give an impression that it is a tagline. I think you need to break the “wall of text” though. Just space it into two paras from “Play as two brand new char…” and then reduce the space between the two paras to 8px or 7px – whatever suits better – as long as the text isn’t touching the edges!

Good luck! :)

[dmshaposv]

Guitar Hero:On Tour – master_general

Originality: Since this is probably like the second GHOT box, it can sort of get away with not having to use something particularly new. Still you’re trying and I think it might just stand out with a bit of fine-tuning.

Capacity: You do spend time on your boxes, and try your best – and I respect that. I’ve noticed you are actually very good a rendering logos, which is fantastic since you can translate this ability to rendering artwork with effects and then combining them with other artwork to make some original compositions. Keep this up! :)

Composition:

Front cover – Yes this looks interesting, but I think you need to place the renders a bit better. I think what you should do is place the guy on the left in front of the right one (in terms of layers). Nudge the guy on the left down a bit, so we can’t see his shoes and then decrease the guy on the right in size a bit, so that it gives an impression he is behind this one and nudge him up a bit. I think it should look better, and would even compliment your logo placement, but you’ll have to experiment. You must try to always an impression that the characters belong to a BG, and not look like random renders floating on a BG. The fractals look alright, but I think you should cut down a bit on them, and try to add something more “grungy” to the BG too. Or try your rendering skills on some different GH artwork similar in style, and try to integrate it here.

Back – It really depend on how you put the text, but again I suggest adding some more “grungyness” to the back, add a third screenshot behind the other two (in terms of layers) in between the other two screens. Possibly change the BG behind the guitar neck to same yellow shade you used on the front cover.

Typography: Nothing to comment, ATM.

Extra advice: I think your box would look better without that DS in the background. It really is all about the boxart, and not about random stuff around it. However, its your choice whether you want to have it or not. ;)

Good luck! :)

[MARKER]

I thought I'll post my latest cover here... although I actually decided NOT to post it in the main site because I made it as a printable cover and already up on a couple of cover sites.. and it's not one I would call 'special' or 'out of the ordinary' if you know what I mean. Thought I'll let let you loose on it DMS -- lol
Incidentally, I'm going to convert it to a Xbox 360 printable later, so your comments could change the way it looks ;)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb211/m4rk3r/ironman-c-Wiifront-marker-PAL200dpi.jpg

[xIAMHUNTERx]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/xIAMHUNTERx/MassEffectblahcopy.png

<_______>

[Kirbylore]

I posted my chaos legion box! It's seems to not be getting much attention at all...... but whatever, just wanted to tell you that I tryed to follow everything you said, and I think the back looks a lot better! Also I think the front darkened looks a lot better with the back. Thanks a lot!!! :D :D

[dmshaposv]

Iron Man – MARKER

Originality: I like how he is breaking through something, and the way the plane is after him on the front cover – very action packed. The back is also a very different take with rust and metal instead of the usual blues we’ve seen in the poster.

Capacity: lol. I don’t know what your actual limit it, but you always come up with something unique in your boxes.

Composition:

Front cover – I can’t find any flaws on the front cover as such, its action packed, has a different look and feel than other iron man boxes – including your own. The placements seem right about fine. Maybe lower the opacity of the motion blur just a bit, since it seems a bit dark? Or maybe it should be this dark, I guess you could play around with that. Only thing I don’t like is the white glowy line on the top left corner.

Spine – I’m not feeling it. I think you should continue that rusty material which IM is breaking through to the spine, instead of having his eyes out of nowhere. That would make the box flow better IMO. OF course you could also make the spine just white and have the logo, but that would make it kinda boring. Maybe show a hole or indentation in the center of the spine and then put the logo so as to give an impression that it is engraved on the spine.

Back – I also think that the back could be much better. The rust looks nice, but the grey metallic texture looks kinda boring. Maybe you should give it some mood, by changing the lighting and shadowing. Give it some “blue” so that it flows with the front. Some more dramatic lighting like the movie poster. Also the iron man here seems a bit battered and bruised, but the color seems a bit different than the front. I think you should airbrush him a bit to make his highlight’s glow a bit in the dramatic lighting behind him. Make the glow in his eyes blue. I also think that the screen borders would need alteration in accordance to the changes, but mainly in lighting.

Typography: Not feeling the text either. I think you need to give the text some texture so that it catches your eye better. Maybe use the rusty texture and overlay it on it at a low opacity. I also think you can use some yellows/brown for the text like the main logo. The font choice could also be better, I think you need to go for some sci-fi type, bold text. I honestly think your myriad font (which apparently you have to buy, since its not on free font sites) would suit the para texts better, where as something more sci-fi for the taglines/special words would be fitting. (BTW, you’ve got to send PM that myriad font, I still think it looks the best for legal info text :D :p)

:cool:

[dmshaposv]

Mass Effect - xIAMHUNTERx

Originality: lol. This is like the third time I’m critiquing this box. Like I said the first time, its nice but needs more particularly on the front cover. However I’m very happy with the back cover.

Capacity: Already talked about it.

Composition:

Front cover – Just like I said the first two times, I seriously think you need something going on below the logo. Its just too plain atm. I personally think you need to change the composition completely now, you’ve restricted yourself to the top image for so long that its stopping you from thinking in other ways. Maybe choose different renders of Shepherd, Ashley, Gareth, e.t.c. I think you need to change the Saren render behind these characters too. Try to experiment and change the images, you’ll probably get a more interesting (and fuller) composition than what you have now.

Spine – I liked the spine earlier with the orange image (don’t remember what it was) below the logo. It still is nice, but that way it looked more complete.

Back –This is probably my favourite part of the box. The top part of the render with the character needs to be more prominent, whereas the bottom bit should fade into the space. Also put this layer on top of the half-time pattern and increase its opacity to its fullest. The side bit with the text looks great. The screenshot part also looks nice, it’s definitely original. I only think that text needs some more colors here and there to highlight important words.

I think you need to make use of all the colors in mass effect; that’s what makes it so great – its imagery is right out of stan kubrick’s 2001: space odyssey. That’s what made me giddy like a schoolgirl when I first saw the game. Red, Orange, Blue, Purple – these should be in your color palette. Try to make use of these colors in the images you choose and also for the text colors.

Typography: Seems perfect.

No go and CHANGE THAT FRONT. LOL.

Haha, I think you’ll do just fine. I hope.

[DrDoomsday]

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh222/Doctor_Doomsday/OKAMI.png

Testing out mah blending skills. I might upload, depending on what you think. BTW, it's not 100% done, there are still quite a few things I must add if I'm gonna upload. I know there are things like Ameratasu overlapping the clover logo, those will be fixed.

[TwistedTinkerToy]

The tagline should be "God. Hunter. Hero. Savior"

[DrDoomsday]

The tagline should be "God. Hunter. Hero. Savior"

Mixed it around, so it wouldn't be the same as the others.

[dmshaposv]

Okami – DrDoomsday

Originality: It looks very nice, since there so many okami boxes out there, I’ve kinda lost track how each one stands on its own. Marker’s wii version was the most definitive and original version for me, so as long as it doesn’t look anything like that its okay. ;)

Capacity: I like how you try your hands at everything. That does make you more versatile. In most cases I like your front covers, but for back cover I suggest two things: first of all don’t always use large text to cover more space. Use text in small neat paragraphs. Try to cover up some space with renders or other features/information. Also, your taglines are way too big. Taglines aren’t by any means necessary – but you must use them effectively – to emphasize certain words and/or themes.

Composition:

Front cover – It looks nice, but I think ama needs to be placed properly. I think you need to nudge her up a bit, maybe overlap the bottom bit of the okami logo also, Also, give an impression she is standing on something solid. I also feel you need to choose a better render of Ama, since the fire effect doesn’t look as detailed as the one on the render on the back cover. In fact she doesn’t look as detailed as the ama render on the back cover, so look for something that looks more similar. I’m not too sure about the black stuff (is it the monster?) on the bottom left hand corner also. Maybe replace it with ground features, or a plant.

Spine – Nothing to comment here.

Back – Background blending is fine. Looks perfect in some areas. What does need work, though, is placement of text, scrolls. Do you have a screenshot strategy? I’m not sure how you plan on placing screenshots over here, because that left area next to ama is sure cramped. First I think you need make the tagline better. Instead of the stair/ladder effect – I suggest having it all in one line and increasing the font size with every word so it looks like this:

Wolf. Hunter. Saviour. God.

Will save you lots of space on the top. I think you should put the clover logo on the top right hand corner too (not touching the temp) so we can also see ama’s paws. Next I suggest aligning all the text on the right hand side, above ama, as a block. Probably get rid of the scroll behind that text. So now you have lots of space on the left hand side. Now you can put three screenshots below one another, and maybe use that or another scroll for screenshot frames.

Typography: The font seems fine, but don’t slant it. Like I mentioned above, do what I told except slanting it. Maybe highlight special words with red. Also increase the spaces between each words – they are way too close. Also, if you can, try to break it into two small paras with a nice legible font size when right aligning it above ama. You may need to slight adjust ama so that the flames on top of her, don’t cover up too much of the text.

;)

[xIAMHUNTERx]

Reworked the front cover today in geometry...

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/xIAMHUNTERx/pr0n.png

Ze back, ignore it. I'm not gonna keep that render there. What happened was I saved the .psd file like that but then realized it looked bad, and went back and grabbed the shot of the squad and put it in there (heh heh) and saved as .png, but I didn't save the Photoshop document. Then my really cool friend thought it'd be funny to shut off my computer. >___>

[Kaiboy12]

I know I also posted this one in another thread but could you critique this one also please?
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5436/mgs42un1.png

[dmshaposv]

Mass Effect – xIAMHUNTERx

Originality: discussed.

Capacity: discussed.

Composition:

Front cover – Well firstly I’m glad you changed the Saren render to something more interesting – a good choice of render. I noticed you added the orange/yellow scheme and while it enhances the colors, you’ve not done a very clean job. I can see specs of red here and there that need to be erased (especially below the three renders). Also you need to extend the red/yellow glow a bit more to the left but definitely extend a lot more on the right hand side next to Shepherd’s arm. I would’ve recommended the Gareth render which Sp-6 used on his box since that pose would suit this composition better. Still not bad.

Spine – Still waiting for the original spine with the orange stuff below…;)

Back – ignored.

[dmshaposv]

MGS4 – Kaiboy12

Originality: I wouldn’t say the front is very original – it looks a bit like the official LE/CE covers. I think there is a lot of interesting MGS4 artwork around that you could use even more effectively.

Capacity: discussed in earlier box.

Composition:

Front cover – Well not much to talk about the front cover. I think it needs some “spicing up”. Maybe have a brownish green BG that would compliment the back cover. As I suggest, you may consider using a different render/artwork of snake or at least change it around a bit so that it looks more interesting/appealing. I know you were trying to go for a simple LE look, but LE covers can also be very detailed. ;)

Spine – It’s just the logo on a white BG. Maybe you could add some green/brown BG to compliment the back cover and an updated front cover.

Back – Doesn’t look bad, but can still have some work done on it. Maybe nudge up the green synopsis interface a bit higher. Maybe below that add the website info or some text describing some aspect of the game. The right hand side looks nice, but I think you need to decrease the size of the MGO screenshot frame and make it have some space between the screenshot on the top and the dev logos. Have some text to describe it too, around one of the sides.

Typography: I’m not too sure of that tagline. Possibly you could have it above that green interface thing? Or you could keep it where it’s at. I think you need a bolder font type for that tagline – to have an impact. Otherwise font type seems mostly fine. :)

[xIAMHUNTERx]

Gareth

:confused: Who?

[dmshaposv]

:confused: Who?

Sorry, Garrus.

[xIAMHUNTERx]

Haha, that's what I thought; I was like "Whuddfux'd?"

[MARKER]

:)
Thanks for comments on my Iron Man cover! I might change things for the X360 version. I don't think I'll post here, as it's not a 'special' box.. plus I already have an Iron Man box here. Actually, the font used on the back, you could say it's the 'official' font, since I grabbed the "Word" Document about the game from Sega, and it's the font they used.
OH... I'll send you the Myriad Pro font if I can find the bugger. I looked in the Fonts folder in Windows, and it's not called that, so it's either some place else, or under a different name. Got about 1000 fonts on my PC.
OH, the 1st 2 screenshots are taken off the TV with my camera... couldn't find any Wii screenshots of the darn game... so I had to play the thing -- which is terrible IMO - LOL

[Ladykiller]

I'll send you the Myriad Pro font if I can find the bugger.

Can you please send it to me too?

Pweety pwease? :]

Hey DMS, is it alright if I pm you, instead of posting any of my wips here? I like to keep my projects a secret as possible, mainly because the surprise factor is a big part in the overall presentation.

EDIT: Also, if you need any help on the thread when you're not around to comment on wips, just holla' ;)

[MARKER]

Can you please send it to me too?

Pweety pwease? :]

Hey DMS, is it alright if I pm you, instead of posting any of my wips here? I like to keep my projects a secret as possible, mainly because the surprise factor is a big part in the overall presentation.

EDIT: Also, if you need any help on the thread when you're not around to comment on wips, just holla' ;)

@LK: LOL -- No problems LK. I'll have to search for it tomorrow. ;) -- So what are you working on now LK? LOL

BTW -- have you guys downloaded/installed the FREE Adobe Acrobat? I'm pretty sure Myriad Pro and a few other fonts comes with it. I can't confirm this since I installed CS2 Creative Suite which includes Acrobat 7.0 and I just seen the fonts are in the program files/adobe/Acrobat and Common folders.

[ParaWing]

Here's my Final Fantasy box. Tell me what you think of it. :)

[NintendoRevolution]

ohh do me

http://vgboxart.com/viewfullbox.php?boxid=17799&boxloc=%2Fboxes%2F360%2F17799_25_to_life-orig.png

:D

[dmshaposv]

:)
Thanks for comments on my Iron Man cover! I might change things for the X360 version. I don't think I'll post here, as it's not a 'special' box.. plus I already have an Iron Man box here. Actually, the font used on the back, you could say it's the 'official' font, since I grabbed the "Word" Document about the game from Sega, and it's the font they used.
OH... I'll send you the Myriad Pro font if I can find the bugger. I looked in the Fonts folder in Windows, and it's not called that, so it's either some place else, or under a different name. Got about 1000 fonts on my PC.
OH, the 1st 2 screenshots are taken off the TV with my camera... couldn't find any Wii screenshots of the darn game... so I had to play the thing -- which is terrible IMO - LOL

No prob. Will be waiting for the pm, lol.


Can you please send it to me too?

Pweety pwease? :]

Hey DMS, is it alright if I pm you, instead of posting any of my wips here? I like to keep my projects a secret as possible, mainly because the surprise factor is a big part in the overall presentation.

EDIT: Also, if you need any help on the thread when you're not around to comment on wips, just holla' ;)

Well, ok then pm it to me. ;)

Thanks, I'll pm you prior, if I would be unable to reply to these critiques on some days, so that you can take over the work for that period.

-------------------------------------------

parawing and nintendorevolution, your crits will be up later today. :)

[master_general]

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7937/sdgscadcopyee9.png
My newest one,please critque it

[dmshaposv]

Final Fantasy – ParaWing

Originality: Since this game was made for the PSP, I haven’t seen any boxes for it at all. It looks okay, but it is kind of plain. Could do with some work.

Capacity: Since you’ve only just joined – you’re not doing too bad. Not much to say, but I suggest doing boxes with easier to manipulate artwork – not just Nintendo and Sega, but also other games with simple artwork from different companies.

Composition:

Front cover – It is a bit simplistic, but I think it needs some “spice”. Maybe a background gradient and then maybe you could colorize the image to suit one of the gradient colors. Also maybe include some other characters.

I suggest trying to practice your rendering so that you don’t have to fade images (unless intended to) and possibly render that final fantasy logo too. Then it would be easier to choose or make some more attractive background. I suggest checking out rendering tutorials at planetrenders.com and other Photoshop tutorials in general. :)

Typography: Nothing to say at the moment.

-----------------------------------------------------------


ohh do me

http://vgboxart.com/viewfullbox.php?boxid=17799&boxloc=%2Fboxes%2F360%2F17799_25_to_life-orig.png

:D


Nintendorevolution, sorry but I critique only WiPs and not boxes which have already been posted.

Perhaps you could make some changes to that and post a WiP for a new updated version here? Firstly I'd like to see what changes would you make to it first. ;)

---------------------

M_G your crit is going to be up in a couple of mins.

[dmshaposv]

Scad Hammers – master_general

Originality: Seems like this is a one-of-a-kind type game that doesn’t have a box yet, or not that I know of.

Capacity: Already discussed in the last crit.

Composition:

Front cover – It looks good. The bottom bit, while looking good, also looks a bit grainy, so I suggest using higher-res/quality images. The top bit seems ok, I personally think you should get rid of the two faded characters on the side or at least render them completely, and then place them next to the two characters in the middle, and rub of any area that cover the two in the middle. Otherwise, good stuff.

Back cover – Don’t really like your choice of render for the back cover. Also I suggest using a different background than the texture you are using right now – it’s a bit plain. Use a robot that looks more like the artwork on the front cover. Maybe nudge up the three screens on the left, slightly higher, but still below the tagline.

I suggest moving those bullet pointed lines below the screens, in the empty space beneath the synopsis paragraph.

Typography: Since I don’t know much about Japanese fonts and what the text is talking about – all I can say is that use a different font type for the tagline than the one you use for the synopsis. Also have some stylized cartoony effects like the logo on the front cover, and maybe have a gradient on the tagline text. Make it a bit more exciting.

Hope this helps.

[xIAMHUNTERx]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee158/xIAMHUNTERx/phoenixwrightwipcopy.png

[dmshaposv]

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – xIAMHUNTERx

Originality: The front cover artwork you chose – I’ve seen it on one of the official covers, but for a different region. Maybe PAL or the Japanese – and I think it was for the second game. Not entirely sure – but just try to make sure in case. Otherwise looks good.

Capacity: Already discussed in the last crit.

Composition:

Front cover – I guess the choice of the template is as much vital to the cover. It does compliment the perspective, but I personally find the temp’s angle too extreme. Still, I can live with that. You used a good piece of artwork and the background – though plain – does seem to suit. Personally I think there isn’t much to crit about since this is quite good and you really need to make a back cover to suit it, since that would be more difficult.

Spine – Nothing over here.

Back cover – Yes “Objection” is cool. But there is nothing else to comment on…

Typography: Nothing.

[xIAMHUNTERx]

Check your PMs, Senor DJ.

[master_general]

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2185/okamicopybw4.png

how can this be helped

[master_general]

also this
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/Master-General/GHOTWiPcopy-1.png

[dmshaposv]

I will critique everything today/tommorow. So look forward from hearing from me soon. ;)

Sorry was busy with some work this week.

[master_general]

it's fine with me!

[Ayron]

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa224/ayr0n/done.png

please dó help ^^

[dmshaposv]

Okami – master_general

Originality: The front has an unusual look. The back cover looks similar to other Okami covers, though. I’d suggest that don’t try to change the back cover since it works – but try to further enhance the front cover.

Capacity: Already discussed in the last crit.

Composition:

Front cover – It is interesting – the thing I feel you need to do is give it some sort of background, while still having the red/orange color scheme. Try to overlay the same kind of BG which you used on your back cover also on the front. Right now it looks too much just like a gradient – so you need to give it some more depth. An alternative strategy could be to change the color scheme to more brown tones like the back cover. Remember both the front and back should flow and look as one.

Spine: I think you don’t need this. A cover is just as good without a spine, and yours doesn’t particularly work here.

Back cover – It may not be very original, but it works. I think you shouldn’t make any changes to it.

Typography: Very good. Suits the game quite well.

:)

-----------------------------------------

I'll do your other box and Ayron's box later today or tommorow as soon as I have more free time.

[Jbone]

http://i27.tinypic.com/2910oj4.png

That was my first box. View it on my home page. How is it?

[Pan]

EDIT: Submitted already.

[nextwave]

That was my first box. View it on my home page. How is it?
DMS doesn't give crits for boxes that have been posted already.

[ClonedX]

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj283/ClonedX/CoM-1.png

[Star89er]

I know you've already got a few boxes to critique, but...
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff71/star89er/Matrix.png

[dmshaposv]

Sorry guys I've been a little lazy lately - plus my work load has also increased of late, but I'll try to help out everyone as soon as I get more free time towards the end of this week.

In the mean time, however, I can do one crit:

---------------------------------------------------------

Sonic Mega Collection – Ayron

Originality: I like the color schemes, and it does seem to capture the style of the Genesis boxarts in some ways. The front is appealing, but I’d wish the back was more exciting, especially for a collection box.

Composition:

Front cover – Not any flaws so to speak. The pattern effect in the BG works quite well. The simplistic look works. So nothing much to crit about.

Back cover – It looks quite nice, but I think you can add a lot more “Exciting” stuff. Maybe some special sub heading pointing out “never before seen levels” or “unseen easter eggs”. The collection should contain the normal games as well as some other things to warrant the purchase. Its not a must, but it could help give your box an extra “oomph”.

Typography: Works well, but again I think you need to have special columns or sections within the back cover detailing the extra content. Maybe use some sonic styled logo for bullet points. You could possibly add some review quotes?

Font choices are fine. Maybe add an attractive gradient to the tagline.

;)