Originally Posted by farfel
Wow, I've never heard anyone say that.
The American cover art doesn't represent the game at all (short of a kid with horns and a stick). The render of Yorda ("the beautiful woman") on the american cover doesn't look anything like her from the game.
Now the European / Japanese release captures the sense of space in the game very well. Additionally, it conjures the feeling of isolation that you pick up while playing the game. It also shows the bond between The Boy and Yorda much more clearly, invoking the games main premise.
The American box art seems to intend that you're out to rescue another princess by fighting through a castle. The European box art indicates that you're escaping from said castle together (which is the correct visual for those who haven't played the game) as the duo heads away from the structures.
The American box art is just another render from the game slapped on the cover. The Euro / Japanese release is much more metaphoric and captures some of the magic and beauty that's in Ico.
I bought the Euro: CE version for just that reason.
Spoilers for the European release:
After finishing the game, a second person can control Yorda. And there is a hidden weapon (a sword of light) to be found that's even more powerful than the sacrificial sword or the Heaven sent mace.