Beauty may be subjective, but some video games get everyone to agree on how stunning they look. Thanks to the development of increasingly powerful game engines, crisp graphics are now commonplace. Some devs leverage this technological edge to conceive hyper-realistic visuals that take immersion to a level never seen before.
Other creators take a more imaginative route to cement video games as pure art. Whether transporting us to rugged dystopian worlds or depicting the haunting beauty of a futuristic cityscape, many titles offer breathtaking environments to explore, some of which are so beguiling as to warrant a break in gameplay to soak up the sights. So, here are three games whose visuals I can’t get enough of.
Cyberpunk 2077
Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder in Night City. With garbage strewn on every sidewalk and a pervasive sense of filth, the decadent capitalist dystopia featured in Cyberpunk 2077 is pretty rough around the edges – and far from conventionally beautiful. To make matters worse, the rampant violence in its gang-ridden streets wouldn’t entice anyone in their right mind to move to this Blade Runner-esque city. Still, there is something about Cyberpunk’s sprawling metropolis that captures the mind. At nighttime, the lighting effects of its neon-clad buildings come alive in mesmerizing fashion.
Despite its many flaws, or perhaps because of them, this open-world game’s decaying sci-fi world leaves a strong impression for its irresistible film noir atmosphere. The city’s depth and verticality, along with the astonishing diversity of its seven districts, make exploration incredibly rewarding as every nook and cranny feels vibrant. Granted, players may love the City of Dreams to death or want to burn it to the ground. But there is no denying its unique aesthetic and immaculate looks, enhanced by the capabilities of next-gen consoles.
Ghost of Tsushima
Unlike many other open-world games, Ghost of Tsushima understands that the journey is often more impactful than the destination. The beauty of this Kurosawa-inspired samurai tale lies in its blend of intense action and serenity. Players have one goal: repel the Mongol invaders pouring onto this tranquil Japanese island. Yet, they can pause from the brutality of war at any moment to compose a haiku as they gaze at cascading flower petals or enjoy the breeze gently swaying the trees.
The game’s developers worked meticulously to make the foliage react to the wind, which becomes even more striking as the weather changes to match the player’s journey. In between stealth missions and combat, players can also explore serene hot springs and secluded Shinto shrines that capture the magic of the Japan of old. With each frame looking ever-so-cinematic, it is easy to lose track of time while exploring Tsushima, whose gorgeous graphics make up for the game’s somewhat repetitive gameplay.
Red Dead Redemption II
Developers at Rockstar Games reportedly took eight years to fine-tune every aspect of Red Dead Redemption II, and it shows. In terms of world-building, few games come remotely close to the attention to detail brought into this Western adventure that genuinely feels like a simulator of the ancient 1800s, down to the smallest details like the moon following an accurate lunar cycle or wild animals tracking you down after catching wind of your scent. The game flawlessly captures the untamed nature of the American Frontier, from its vast wilderness to its bustling saloons.
Even ghost towns feel pleasantly mysterious, with some abandoned settlements hiding quite a few secrets of their own, inviting players to test their luck at dilapidated saloons reflecting the pioneering spirit of the era. These casino minigames may even inspire gamers to explore real online casinos. From crypto-exclusive sites to mobile casinos, top iGaming platforms are a click away. Newcomers can benefit from the insight of industry experts scouring the web to publish curated lists of licensed casino operators. Free guidelines make it quick and easy to identify trustworthy platforms and adopt safe strategies online. Additionally, users can browse through hundreds of fresh bonuses with advanced filters and comparison tools.
The titles above are just a fraction of what video games can offer in the graphics department. Whether for their artistic vision or technological mastery, many more titles both indie and triple-A deserve an honorable mention, such as Stray, Ori & The Blind Forest, or Elden Ring. Glimpses of upcoming games like Death Stranding 2, Hades II, and Hellblade II show just as many promises – much to our visual delight.
