Games With Breathtaking Visuals Like Elden Ring A 2024 Guide
Finding a game that captures the same sense of awe and visual splendor as Elden Ring is a challenging task. FromSoftware's masterpiece set a new benchmark for open-world design, art direction, and sheer visual fidelity. However, the gaming landscape is vast and diverse, teeming with titles that offer breathtaking experiences in their own right. So, what games can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Elden Ring in terms of visual beauty and artistic merit? This exploration delves into several contenders, each offering a unique aesthetic and immersive world that may just capture your imagination.
Open-World Wonders: Games That Rival Elden Ring's Scope
When considering games that can match Elden Ring's grandeur, the open-world genre naturally comes to mind. The freedom to explore vast landscapes, discover hidden secrets, and witness stunning vistas is a hallmark of both Elden Ring and its closest competitors. The following games excel in creating sprawling, visually arresting worlds that invite players to lose themselves in their digital beauty.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is often cited as a major influence on Elden Ring's open-world design. Nintendo's masterpiece eschews traditional Zelda tropes in favor of a vast, emergent world ripe for exploration. Its cel-shaded art style, while seemingly simplistic at first glance, is a masterclass in environmental storytelling. The rolling hills of Hyrule, the towering peaks of its mountains, and the serene beauty of its forests all combine to create a world that feels both ancient and alive. The sense of freedom afforded to the player, coupled with the game's dynamic weather system and stunning vistas, makes Breath of the Wild a truly beautiful experience. The game's art direction emphasizes vibrant colors and a painterly aesthetic, creating a world that feels both fantastical and grounded. Exploring Hyrule is a constant delight, with each new area revealing breathtaking scenery and hidden secrets. From the moment you step out of the Shrine of Resurrection, the game's beauty is immediately apparent, and it only deepens as you venture further into its vast landscapes. The game's emphasis on player agency and discovery further enhances the feeling of immersion, making Breath of the Wild a truly unforgettable visual journey. The deliberate use of negative space in the environments, coupled with the striking color palette, creates a sense of scale and grandeur that is rarely matched in open-world games.
Horizon Forbidden West
Guerrilla Games' Horizon Forbidden West is a visual tour de force, showcasing the power of modern gaming hardware. The game's post-apocalyptic world, teeming with robotic creatures and lush vegetation, is a feast for the eyes. The level of detail in the environments, from the intricate textures of the flora to the realistic weathering of the ancient ruins, is truly remarkable. The game's vibrant color palette and dynamic lighting further enhance its beauty, creating a world that feels both dangerous and alluring. Horizon Forbidden West takes players to a post-apocalyptic America reclaimed by nature, centuries after a cataclysmic event wiped out human civilization. The remnants of the old world are juxtaposed with the vibrant ecosystems that have sprung up in their wake, creating a visually stunning contrast. From the sun-drenched deserts of Nevada to the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, each region of the Forbidden West is rendered with incredible detail and artistry. The game's robotic creatures, known as Machines, are also a highlight, boasting intricate designs and realistic animations. Their presence adds a layer of danger and excitement to the world, making exploration a thrilling experience. The game's use of color is particularly noteworthy, with each region having its own distinct palette that reflects its unique environment and atmosphere. The sunsets and sunrises in the game are particularly breathtaking, casting a warm glow over the landscape and creating a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos. The Horizon Forbidden West is a testament to the power of modern gaming technology and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the most desolate of landscapes.
Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions' Ghost of Tsushima is a love letter to feudal Japan, and its visual beauty is inextricably linked to its cultural setting. The game's art style is heavily influenced by classic samurai films, and its environments are rendered with a painterly quality that evokes the works of Japanese masters. The swaying bamboo forests, the vibrant maple trees, and the serene temples all contribute to a world that feels both authentic and breathtaking. Ghost of Tsushima's greatest strength lies in its ability to capture the beauty and tranquility of the Japanese landscape. The game's environments are meticulously crafted, with each leaf, flower, and blade of grass contributing to the overall sense of immersion. The game's lighting is also exceptional, casting long shadows across the landscape and creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The use of color is particularly striking, with the game's vibrant sunsets and fiery landscapes contrasting beautifully with the more muted tones of its forests and temples. The game's combat is also visually stunning, with sword fights that are both brutal and balletic. The way Jin moves and attacks, the way his opponents react, and the way the environment is affected by the battle all contribute to a visceral and engaging experience. The game's photo mode allows players to capture these moments of beauty and share them with others, further cementing Ghost of Tsushima's status as a visually stunning game. Ghost of Tsushima is a testament to the power of art direction and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the natural world.
Beyond Open Worlds: Other Visually Stunning Games
While open-world games often dominate discussions of visual beauty, there are many other titles that deserve recognition for their artistic merit. These games may not offer the same level of freedom as Elden Ring or Breath of the Wild, but they compensate with their unique art styles, compelling narratives, and memorable visual moments.
Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding is a divisive game, but there's no denying its visual impact. The game's desolate landscapes, inspired by the Icelandic countryside, are both haunting and beautiful. The stark contrast between the rocky terrain and the vibrant sky creates a sense of isolation and wonder. The game's character models are also incredibly detailed, and the animations are remarkably realistic. Death Stranding presents a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious event known as the Death Stranding. The game's protagonist, Sam Porter Bridges, must traverse this desolate landscape to reconnect isolated communities. The game's environments are often vast and empty, creating a sense of loneliness and vulnerability. However, they are also incredibly beautiful, with sweeping vistas and dramatic landscapes that are a constant source of visual inspiration. The game's use of lighting and weather effects further enhances its atmosphere, creating a world that feels both realistic and surreal. The game's character models are also a highlight, boasting incredibly detailed facial expressions and realistic movements. The game's narrative is complex and often ambiguous, but its visual presentation is consistently striking. The game's score, composed by Ludvig Forssell, perfectly complements its visuals, creating a sense of melancholy and hope. Death Stranding is a game that will stay with you long after you've finished playing it, both for its unique gameplay and its unforgettable visuals. The game's emphasis on traversal and exploration further enhances the feeling of immersion, making every step of the journey a meaningful experience. The game's online component, which allows players to leave behind structures and resources for others to use, also adds a layer of community and cooperation to the experience.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical marvel, boasting some of the most realistic and detailed environments ever seen in a video game. The game's open world, set in the American West, is a sprawling tapestry of diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to dusty plains. The game's lighting and weather effects are also incredibly impressive, creating a world that feels truly alive. Red Dead Redemption 2's world is a character in itself, a vast and detailed recreation of the American West at the turn of the 20th century. The game's environments are incredibly diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to dusty plains, and each region is rendered with meticulous detail. The game's lighting and weather effects are particularly impressive, creating a sense of atmosphere and realism that is rarely matched in video games. The sunrises and sunsets in the game are breathtaking, casting long shadows across the landscape and creating a sense of tranquility. The game's wildlife is also incredibly realistic, with animals behaving in a way that feels both natural and believable. The game's cities and towns are equally detailed, with bustling streets and authentic architecture that transports players back in time. The game's narrative is a sprawling epic that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, and its visual presentation is equally ambitious. The game's character models are incredibly detailed, and the animations are remarkably realistic. The game's use of color is also noteworthy, with each region having its own distinct palette that reflects its unique environment and atmosphere. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical masterpiece and a testament to the power of video games as an art form. The game's attention to detail and its commitment to realism make it a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. The game's soundtrack, composed by Woody Jackson, perfectly complements its visuals, creating a sense of melancholy and beauty.
Control
Remedy Entertainment's Control is a visually striking game, thanks to its brutalist architecture and otherworldly environments. The game's setting, the Oldest House, is a constantly shifting labyrinth of concrete corridors and surreal spaces. The game's use of lighting and physics is also impressive, creating a world that feels both unsettling and captivating. Control is a supernatural action-adventure game set in the Oldest House, a mysterious building that houses the Federal Bureau of Control, a secret government agency that investigates paranormal phenomena. The game's environments are a constantly shifting labyrinth of concrete corridors and surreal spaces, creating a sense of unease and disorientation. The game's brutalist architecture is both striking and oppressive, adding to the game's eerie atmosphere. The game's use of lighting and physics is also impressive, with light refracting off surfaces and objects moving in unpredictable ways. The game's combat is fast-paced and fluid, with players using telekinetic abilities to manipulate objects in the environment and hurl them at enemies. The game's narrative is complex and mysterious, with players uncovering the secrets of the Oldest House and the Bureau of Control as they progress. The game's character models are also well-designed, with realistic facial expressions and body language. The game's art direction is a unique blend of brutalist architecture, surreal environments, and paranormal imagery, creating a visual style that is both unsettling and captivating. Control is a game that rewards exploration and experimentation, with hidden secrets and collectibles scattered throughout the Oldest House. The game's sound design is also excellent, with eerie sound effects and a haunting soundtrack that further enhances the game's atmosphere. The game's emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling makes it a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Conclusion: Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder
Ultimately, the most beautiful game is a matter of personal preference. While Elden Ring undoubtedly set a high bar for visual fidelity and artistic design, there are many other games that offer breathtaking experiences in their own right. From the sprawling landscapes of Breath of the Wild and Horizon Forbidden West to the haunting beauty of Death Stranding and the brutalist architecture of Control, the gaming landscape is rich with visual wonders waiting to be discovered. The games discussed here represent a diverse range of styles and genres, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of beauty in video games. Whether you prefer realistic graphics, stylized art direction, or a unique visual aesthetic, there's a game out there that will capture your imagination and leave you in awe. The key is to explore different titles and discover what resonates with your personal tastes. And who knows, you might just find your new favorite visually stunning game in the process.
