Atomic Punk (1991, Irem America Corp via Hudson Soft)

For whatever reason that anime didn't get mainstream attention in the 1980s, there seemed to be an associated fear that youth wouldn't purchase a foreign product unless an American artist was instructed to Americanize a Japanese design. Sometimes that tactic works, and sometimes it doesn't.

I would consider the flyer for Atomic Punk to be a success art-wise, but a failure in gameplay instructability.

It's like the artist saw nothing except for a few screenshots while composing this image. The grid on the floor, a multi-coloured rogues gallery, a laughing demon sun, and an evil-looking wizard. Yet all of these pale in comparison to one key element of this design.

The children.

vs. The Goonies (1986, Konami)

One of the things I liked most about the film "The Goonies"? That's a hard call, because I probably liked the upright mice, the flame pipes, Chunk carrying a lit bomb -- I liked all of these equally.

Devastators (1988, Konami)

For the GLORY, the MONEY......
and to feed the BEAST
inside their body !!!!!
DEVASTATORS

1989.
Fanatic Middle East dictator state has invaded
small underdeveloped country.
In desperation, this tiny land enlists the services of the
"DEVASTATORS".
Who are these guys? .... the best, most efficient, ruthless,
disciplined .... and most expensive 2-man team of
freedom fighters in the world.

There used to be a video store back in my hometown that sold the scummiest videos around. No one knew where these gems were procured, but it was always a fun and amazing time when they were discovered.