Genesis Boxes, Old and New

[pacmanhat]

I've seen a lot of Genesis titles available in both the original plastic box and the more recent flimsy carboard variety. Most, however, seem to be either one or the other. Does anyone know the history/chronology behind these changes/variations? Furthermore, is there any comprehensive list of which games have the original box, carboard box, or both?

[CrimsonNugget]

I just know that plastic came first. First the design was black with a grey grid, then they switched to the bright/dark red striped design, and then they did crappy cardboard boxes.

[esquire]

Majesco published several re-releases such as Castlevania Bloodlines, that were originally in the black cases when first published, and later re-released in the red cardboard boxes. There is another thread on Majesco's re-releases here.

[swlovinist]

First there was the black with the grey grid, then the genesis logo on the spine was reduced in size. Next came the UPC codes on the spine and then they went to the red color cases. I dont know if the Grey Genesis logo on the spine was before or after the White Genesis logo on the spine. All I do know is that the crappy paper boxes were at the end of the life cycle, and that the clamshell casing they started out with was better.

[pacmanhat]

Might there be any way to estimate which box a game has based on its year of release or anything like that?

For the record, I thought of this while completing a trade w/ someone involving Gunstar Heroes. For whatever reason, I was under the impression that GH was only available in the crappy packaging, but the one being sent to me was in the red striped, clamshell box. Shows what I know, I guess.

[Melf]

First there was the black with the grey grid, then the genesis logo on the spine was reduced in size. Next came the UPC codes on the spine and then they went to the red color cases.

Before the UPC, the Genesis logo was really big. This can be seen in games like ESWAT, Castle of Illusion, and Strider.