When people think of Star Wars, the first things that come to mind are the live-action films and perhaps The Mandalorian Disney+ series. However, the franchise's video games have achieved plenty of commercial success, as well, and there's been a lot of them, as they've had steady releases since the early 80s. Unfortunately, like the movies, the games themselves vary greatly in quality.
Yet, the artists who create the cover art for the games deserve a lot of credit, as they're more consistent than the developers. Some of their creations mirror the style of the movies' posters, whereas others are made to fit the game's tone. Both styles, when done well, can lead to some badass pieces of work like these.
Star Wars Battlefront (2015)
EA's rebooted Battlefront series hasn't quite captured the imagination of players as much as the original games did. In fact, some fans aren't happy about EA having the Star Wars license, to begin with. But, something they've absolutely gotten right is the cover for the 2015 installment.
The visual of a brave rebel soldier staring up at the giant AT-AT is really cool and showcases the difference in might between the two armies. Plus, all of the carnage in the background well represents the action-packed nature of the game.
LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game
The LEGO Star Wars games have always depicted the series in a lighter tone. However, this box art for the first title is pretty menacing.
In classic Star Wars Fashion, Darth Vader is in the background staring down the heroes, as well as a few of the villains. The red glow all around him makes the sith lord look even more threatening. Meanwhile, the characters in the foreground are surrounded by lava, ala Revenge of the Sith. It all makes for a really impactful image despite the playful lego aesthetic.
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
Kyle Katarn is one of the many characters in Star Wars Legends that fans would love to be canon because he's just that awesome. Naturally, any cover he graces is going to be a least somewhat badass.
On the front of Dark Forces 2, he's involved in an intense lightsaber duel with Jerec while a few stormtroopers hang out in the background. Lightsabers clashing has always been a fantastic sight, and its depiction on this cover is no different.
Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi - Death Star Battle
The Millennium Falcon is one of the best ships in the original trilogy, and the Empire's TIE fighters aren't far behind, and this cover has them engaged in a brilliant-looking skirmish.
The art is impressive, as each ship, as well as the Death Star, has been masterfully re-created. While the blue and red color scheme of the entire cover isn't too pleasing, the battle in the middle makes up for it.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Many popular Star Wars characters only get a little screen time in the live-action movies, and Jango Fett is one of them. Thankfully, Lucas Arts gives the famed Mandalorian extra time to shine in their Bounty Hunter game.
The protagonist of the title looks badass on the cover, as he uses his jetpack and blasters to deliver a sweet action pose. The brown background isn't too impressive, but it allows Jango to be the main focus, along with some fancy text for the title.
Star Wars: Empire At War
A lot is happening on the box art of Star Wars Empire at War. The two armies are engaged in an all-out battle, both on the surface of Hoth and in space.
It's such a glorious sight, seeing all of the blasters firing and explosions going off, and it certainly attracts the attention of any would-be player. People could argue that there is too much going on. Yet, it accurately depicts the size and chaotic nature of the war between the Empire and the Rebels.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
There are countless iconic moments in the Skywalker Saga, and some of them make it onto the cover of this LEGO game. That's what's impressive about this box art as the artist has managed to fit so much into one cover.
The original trilogy is represented on the right, while the prequels are depicted on the left. In the center, they've found adequate space to feature some of the saga's main characters. It's chaotic, colorful, and truly a sight to behold.
Star Wars: Republic Commando
In Republic Commando, a team of troopers named Delta Squad serves as the protagonists. As each of them is cloned from one of the strongest Bounty Hunters in the series, Jango Fett, they're all tough combatants. They look as such on the game's cover, as, while surrounded by explosions, the team is still composed and pushing forward.
Republic Commando is more grounded than most Star Wars games, and the artist has managed to capture that feeling in the cover as from the font of the title to the colors used, it all looks gritty.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
The Star Wars Force Unleashed series has its detractors, yet, the first game, in particular, has some awesome moments. Many of which are a result of Starkiller's incredible power. The apprentice even stacks up against some of the strongest Sith in the franchise.
On the cover of the game, his abilities are depicted in action. The visual of him pushing away and electrifying the stormtroopers make Starkiller look like a badass, and it's pleasing on the eye too.
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
Many fans consider Knights of the Old Republic 2 to be weaker than its phenomenal predecessor. Yet, it's cover is wonderful. Firstly, Darth Nihilus looks truly terrifying as he looks at the viewer with the flames billowing behind him.
The cover also includes an epic lightsaber duel, some cool looking ships, and Darth Sion staring the viewer down. Altogether, it makes for an impressive and badass piece of artwork which should be enough to sell any game.