When did covers of japanese games released in NA feature the original art?

[Mondain]

Seems that most any older japanese game boxart allowed in North American stores featured westernized versions of the characters until a certain point. A lot of them were very reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons character art. For example.

The original Suikoden...




Phantasy Star II...





Strider...






Then, at some point, things seemed to change. What happened? Is it because Final Fantasy VII finally made RPGs mainstream?

[tiesto]

I actually kinda liked some of the old western art that RPGs used to sport, and wouldn't mind seeing a bit of decent western art around, instead of every game having a few anime characters on the cover.

[Himu]

The thing about Suikoden's cover art is that it makes no sense even if you've played the game multiple times, like me.

I don't even know who is who.

Why is Futch like...an adult? Neclord is a vampire, not a ghoul with skeleton heads. Is that cigarillo on the top right corner Ted or what? Is the guy in the middle on the left Viktor? Is the slut underneath him Windy? If so, is the chick on the bottom of the right side Leknaat? It's so ridiculous that even if you've played the game, you can't recognize the characters.

I have no problem with westernized art, but GOD DAMN, if you're gonna do it, at least make it so you can recognize the characters.