The Most Mesmerizing Video Game Box Art Of 2022

Bayonetta and Kirby gaze at Citizen Sleeper, Norco, Stranger of Paradise, Cult of the Lamb, and Tunic's box art.
Bayonetta and Kirby gaze at Citizen Sleeper, Norco, Stranger of Paradise, Cult of the Lamb, and Tunic's box art.


“Marvelous” -Bayonetta (probably) “Poyo”-Kirby (definitely)

Video game box art is like a visual handshake between the game and the player. If the art is tantamount to a limp handshake, gamers will forget about it and move on to a video game that seizes their attention with a firm grasp. While many have an uninspired Marvel Cinematic Universe-esque composite shot of its titular characters, other game covers deserve to be hung up in the Louvre, or in a frame in your bedroom.

In that spirit, let’s take a look back at some of the most visually pleasing video game box art that’s graced our eyes this year. For full immersion, be sure to play some classical music in the background as you peruse this slideshow. Might I recommend some Claude Debussy by virtue of his last name making me snicker like a middle schooler? Excellent choice. Let’s begin.

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Backbone

Backbone box art cover shows anthropomorphic animals in film noire suits.
Backbone box art cover shows anthropomorphic animals in film noire suits.

Developer: Raw Fury

Type of game: Pixel art noir detective story

Read More: Backbone: The Kotaku Review

Bear & Breakfast

Hank the bear hammers nails into plywood.
Hank the bear hammers nails into plywood.

Developer: Gummy Cat

Type of game: Hotel management simulator

Read More: Management Sim Bear And Breakfast Isn’t Animal Crossing, So Don’t Expect That

Citizen Sleeper

A lone astronaut stands outside of a colossal space station.
A lone astronaut stands outside of a colossal space station.

Developer: Jump Over The Age

Type of game: Cyberpunk RPG

Read More: Citizen Sleeper Dev Wants To See Cyberpunk Genre Freed From Stagnation

Cult of the Lamb

A cult of anthropomorphic animals perform a ritual sacrifice of a lamb.
A cult of anthropomorphic animals perform a ritual sacrifice of a lamb.

Developer: Massive Monster

Type of game: 2D base-building action game

Read More: Cult Of The Lamb Is 2022’s Latest GOTY Contender

Horizon: Forbidden West

Aloy stands on a sandy tropical beach with giant mechanical birds circling its shore.
Aloy stands on a sandy tropical beach with giant mechanical birds circling its shore.

Developer: Guerrilla Games

Type of game: Action-adventure game.

Read More: Horizon Forbidden West: The Kotaku Review

Live A Live

Protagonists from Live A Live gather for a group photo on its box art.
Protagonists from Live A Live gather for a group photo on its box art.

Developer: Square Enix

Type of game: Turn-based action role-playing game

Read More: Live A Live: The Kotaku Review

Norco

Norco's cast of characters assemble in a dream-like mural for its cover art.
Norco's cast of characters assemble in a dream-like mural for its cover art.

Developer: Raw Fury

Type of game: Point-and-click mystery game.

Read More: A Stunning Southern Dystopia Is One Of The Best-Written Games Of The Year

OlliOlli World

OlliOlli World's skaters pose on the rooftop of its busy cityscape.
OlliOlli World's skaters pose on the rooftop of its busy cityscape.

Developer: Roll7

Type of game: 2D skateboarding game

Read More: OlliOlli World Is A Very Sick Skateboard Nerd’s Fantasy

Rollerdrome

Explosions and rollerskaters dace around the head of Rollerdome's player character.
Explosions and rollerskaters dace around the head of Rollerdome's player character.

Developer: Roll7

Type of game: 3D sports shooter game

Read More: Rollerdrome Is Like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater But With Guns

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

A Stranger of Paradise illustration shows purple and violet water colors splashed across Jack Garland's face.
A Stranger of Paradise illustration shows purple and violet water colors splashed across Jack Garland's face.

Developer: Square Enix

Type of game: Action-roleplaying game

Read More: The Stranger of Paradise Demo Is Unapologetically Cringe, And I Love It

Tunic

Tunic's fox hero raises his sword and brandishes his shield triumphantly.
Tunic's fox hero raises his sword and brandishes his shield triumphantly.

Developer: TUNIC Team

Type of game: Action-adventure game

Read More: Gorgeous Zelda-Like Tunic Is Exactly What I Needed Right Now

WWE 2K22

Rey Mysterio leaps into frame with tracer lights of neon blue, red, and orange trailing after him.
Rey Mysterio leaps into frame with tracer lights of neon blue, red, and orange trailing after him.

Developer: Visual Concepts

Type of game: Professional wrestling sports game

Read More: Community Review: WWE 2K22 Is Good Again?

Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus?

An outline of Uncle Marcus's face is filled with jagged portraits of his family members.
An outline of Uncle Marcus's face is filled with jagged portraits of his family members.

Developer: Wales Interactive, Good Gate Media

Type of game: FMV murder mystery


And there you have it. If there were any video games you think got snubbed, too bad. Kidding, but be sure to share with your fellow readers in the comments below what video game box art pleased your eyes the most.

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