Video Games as Art: Visually Stunning Video Games
first posted May 21, 2015
estimated read time: 3 minutes and 53 seconds
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000) N64
I have written about my love of this game many times before and have even gone into depth on how the art, music, and symbology in Majora’s Mask are absolutely astounding. Although an older game, Majora’s Mask still holds its own as a beautiful game that contributes heavily to the overall gamer’s immersion into the world.
Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) Xb0ne, 360, PC
This side scroller has such a beautiful art style likely helped by their affiliation with Disney. Not only does the art style in Ori and the Blind Forest really suck the gamer into its world, but they way that the on-screen characters interact with the world makes for a truly amazing experience.
Child of Light (2014) Multi-Platform
Child of Light is the only game on this list that I have not actually played, but looking at the myriad of YouTube gameplay videos I think that it’s a safe bet! The game puts players in the shoes of Aurora, a child stolen from her home. In her quest to return home she must bring back the sun, the moon and the stars held captive by the mysterious Queen of the Night.
Okami (2006) Wii, PS2, PS3
The game is stylized like a traditional Japanese ink and wash painting, featuring thick, tapering outlines and coloring that has the incredibly bright yet slightly faded feel of watercolor. Beyond the styling, even the design has a very traditional Japanese appeal. Enemies and characters are all designed as they’re depicted in old Japanese paintings and lore, and Kanji characters appear regularly as part of ability effects
Shadow of the Colossus (2005) PS2
I have talked about Shadow of the Colossus before and how amazing this game is as a story telling medium. The important note is that textual information is fairly rare in this game. Instead, most of the story’s information comes from visual cues; the surrounding area, the Colossi themselves, and the oh-so-subtle transformation of the main character as the gamer starts to question their morality for the first time.
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