Visually Stunning Games To Play After Elden Ring
As an avid gamer, the immersive worlds and stunning visuals of games are a significant draw. Elden Ring, with its vast open world and intricate details, set a high bar for visual beauty in gaming. However, the gaming landscape is rich with titles that offer breathtaking experiences. This article explores some of the most visually stunning games that stand out after playing Elden Ring, focusing on their art direction, technical achievements, and overall aesthetic impact.
Games with Captivating Art Direction
Art direction is a critical element in shaping a game's visual appeal. A game with a unique and well-executed art style can leave a lasting impression, even if its technical capabilities are not cutting-edge. The games discussed in this section excel in their artistic vision, creating worlds that are both beautiful and memorable. These games are not just visually appealing; they tell a story through their environments, character designs, and color palettes. Each title offers a distinct aesthetic experience, ranging from painterly landscapes to stylized character models, demonstrating the diverse ways in which art direction can elevate a game's overall quality.
1. Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is a visual masterpiece that builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn. The game's world is a vibrant tapestry of lush forests, towering mountains, and shimmering coastlines. Guerrilla Games has masterfully crafted an environment teeming with life, from the meticulously designed flora and fauna to the awe-inspiring mechanical creatures that roam the land. The attention to detail is astounding, with every leaf, ripple of water, and glint of sunlight contributing to the game's breathtaking beauty. What sets Horizon Forbidden West apart is its seamless blend of natural and artificial elements. The decaying remnants of the old world are juxtaposed with the vibrant ecosystems of the new, creating a sense of both wonder and melancholy. The art direction in Horizon Forbidden West is not just about creating pretty visuals; it's about telling a story of a world in transition, a world where nature and technology collide. The color palette is rich and varied, with warm hues dominating the sun-drenched landscapes and cool tones permeating the shadowy depths. The character designs are equally impressive, with Aloy and the other inhabitants of the Forbidden West sporting intricate costumes and expressive faces. The game's photo mode is a testament to its visual splendor, allowing players to capture stunning images of the world and its inhabitants. Horizon Forbidden West is a shining example of how art direction can elevate a game from being merely enjoyable to truly unforgettable. Its commitment to visual storytelling and its meticulous attention to detail make it a benchmark for open-world games. The game's environments are not just backdrops; they are integral parts of the narrative, shaping the player's experience and immersing them in a world that feels both real and fantastical.
2. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is a visual poem set in feudal Japan, a world of samurai, honor, and breathtaking landscapes. Sucker Punch Productions has crafted an environment that is both serene and awe-inspiring, with swaying bamboo forests, mist-shrouded mountains, and tranquil lakes. The game's art direction is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese art and cinema, resulting in a visual style that is both elegant and evocative. The use of color is particularly striking, with vibrant hues contrasting against the muted tones of the natural world. Red leaves fall like rain in the autumn forests, golden sunlight bathes the rice paddies, and the deep blue of the ocean stretches to the horizon. These scenes are not just visually appealing; they evoke a sense of atmosphere and mood, drawing the player deeper into the world of Tsushima. The character designs in Ghost of Tsushima are equally impressive, with Jin Sakai and the other samurai sporting intricate armor and weapons. The attention to detail extends to the architecture, the clothing, and even the calligraphy that adorns the temples and shrines. The game's combat is a dance of death, with each strike and parry rendered with fluid grace. The blood that stains the battlefield serves as a stark reminder of the violence that permeates the world, but it also adds a layer of visual drama to the proceedings. Ghost of Tsushima is a game that understands the power of visual storytelling. Its environments are not just backdrops; they are integral parts of the narrative, shaping the player's experience and immersing them in a world that feels both real and fantastical. The game's commitment to historical accuracy and its artistic vision make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The beauty of Ghost of Tsushima lies not just in its visuals, but in the way those visuals enhance the game's themes of honor, sacrifice, and the struggle for peace.
3. The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II is a masterclass in environmental storytelling, a game that uses its visuals to convey a sense of despair, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Naughty Dog has created a world that is both beautiful and brutal, a post-apocalyptic landscape where nature reclaims the ruins of civilization. The lush greenery that creeps through the cracks in the concrete is a testament to life's tenacity, but it also serves as a reminder of what has been lost. The game's art direction is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail. Every broken window, every overturned car, and every piece of graffiti tells a story of the world that was and the world that is. The environments are not just backdrops; they are characters in their own right, shaping the player's experience and influencing their emotional state. The lighting in The Last of Us Part II is particularly impressive, creating a sense of atmosphere and mood that is both haunting and beautiful. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground, while the glow of fireflies illuminates the dark corners of the world. The character designs are equally compelling, with Ellie and Abby sporting battle-worn faces and expressive eyes that convey a range of emotions. The violence in The Last of Us Part II is graphic and disturbing, but it is also a reflection of the world in which the characters live. The game does not shy away from the brutality of survival, but it also highlights the moments of tenderness and compassion that can still be found in the darkest of times. The Last of Us Part II is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. Its visuals are not just pretty; they are powerful, evocative, and deeply moving. The game's commitment to realism and its artistic vision make it a true masterpiece of environmental storytelling. The Last of Us Part II is a testament to the power of games to evoke emotion and to tell stories that resonate with players on a profound level.
Technical Marvels in Gaming
Beyond artistic vision, technical prowess plays a crucial role in delivering stunning visuals. Games in this category push the boundaries of what's possible on current hardware, showcasing advanced rendering techniques, realistic physics, and intricate details. These games are not just visually appealing; they are technological showcases, demonstrating the cutting-edge capabilities of game engines and hardware. The advancements in areas like ray tracing, global illumination, and procedural generation contribute to creating worlds that feel more immersive and believable than ever before. The games discussed in this section represent the pinnacle of technical achievement in gaming, offering a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment.
1. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077, despite its initial launch issues, is a technical marvel when it comes to visual fidelity. CD Projekt Red has created a sprawling metropolis in Night City that is both breathtaking and gritty. The game's world is a dense tapestry of neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and bustling streets, all rendered with incredible detail. The use of ray tracing in Cyberpunk 2077 elevates the visuals to a new level, creating realistic reflections and shadows that add depth and realism to the environment. The neon signs cast a vibrant glow on the wet streets, the reflections in the puddles shimmer and dance, and the shadows stretch and contract as the sun moves across the sky. These subtle details contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere, making Night City feel like a living, breathing world. The character models in Cyberpunk 2077 are equally impressive, with detailed facial animations and realistic skin textures. The clothing and accessories are also rendered with a high degree of fidelity, adding to the overall sense of realism. The game's vehicles are another highlight, with sleek designs and intricate details that make them feel like they belong in a futuristic setting. Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that pushes the boundaries of what's possible on current hardware. Its technical achievements are undeniable, even if the game's performance has been inconsistent on some platforms. Night City is a visual feast, a city that is both beautiful and dangerous, and a testament to the power of technology to create immersive and believable game worlds. The game's visual fidelity is not just about creating pretty pictures; it's about creating an experience that draws the player into the world and makes them feel like they are truly inhabiting a cyberpunk future.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a technical achievement that sets a new standard for open-world games. Rockstar Games has created a vast and detailed world that feels both alive and authentic. The game's environments range from snow-capped mountains to sun-drenched deserts, each rendered with incredible fidelity. The use of realistic lighting and weather effects adds to the game's immersive atmosphere, making the world feel dynamic and unpredictable. The sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors. The rainstorms are intense, soaking the characters and the environment, and the snowstorms are blinding, making travel treacherous. These weather effects are not just cosmetic; they affect the gameplay, making it more challenging to navigate the world in certain conditions. The character models in Red Dead Redemption 2 are equally impressive, with detailed facial animations and realistic clothing. The horses are particularly well-rendered, with individual hairs and muscles that move realistically. The game's physics engine is also a marvel, allowing for realistic interactions between the characters and the environment. Objects fall and break realistically, and the characters move with weight and momentum. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that is as impressive technically as it is artistically. Its attention to detail is astounding, creating a world that feels both real and fantastical. The game's technical achievements are not just about creating pretty visuals; they are about creating an experience that draws the player into the world and makes them feel like they are truly living in the Wild West. The game's commitment to realism and its artistic vision make it a true masterpiece of open-world gaming.
3. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator is a technical tour de force that leverages satellite data and cloud computing to create a stunningly realistic representation of the entire planet. Asobo Studio has crafted a game that is both beautiful and educational, allowing players to explore the world from the cockpit of an aircraft. The game's environments are incredibly detailed, with accurate terrain, buildings, and vegetation. The use of real-world data ensures that the landscapes are as close to reality as possible. The clouds are particularly impressive, swirling and shifting in realistic patterns, and the lighting is dynamic, changing with the time of day and the weather conditions. Microsoft Flight Simulator is not just a game; it's a virtual globe, allowing players to fly over their homes, visit famous landmarks, and explore remote corners of the world. The game's aircraft are also rendered with a high degree of fidelity, with detailed cockpits and realistic flight models. The controls are complex but rewarding, allowing players to experience the challenge and the exhilaration of flying a real aircraft. Microsoft Flight Simulator is a game that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in simulation gaming. Its technical achievements are undeniable, creating a world that is both vast and detailed. The game's commitment to realism and its educational value make it a unique and unforgettable experience. The game's visual fidelity is not just about creating pretty pictures; it's about creating an experience that allows players to see the world in a new way, from a perspective that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.
Games with Unique Aesthetic Impact
Some games stand out not just for their technical prowess or art direction, but for their unique aesthetic impact. These titles create a distinct atmosphere and visual style that sets them apart from the crowd. They may experiment with unconventional color palettes, surreal environments, or stylized character models. The games discussed in this section represent the diversity of visual experiences that gaming has to offer, showcasing how different artistic choices can create memorable and impactful games. These titles demonstrate that beauty in games can be found in many forms, from the hyper-realistic to the abstract, and that innovation in visual design is essential to the continued evolution of the medium.
1. Death Stranding
Death Stranding is a visually striking game that creates a unique and desolate world. Kojima Productions has crafted an environment that is both beautiful and haunting, with vast landscapes, jagged mountains, and shimmering lakes. The game's color palette is muted, with grays, blues, and greens dominating the scenery, creating a sense of melancholy and isolation. The world of Death Stranding is sparsely populated, with only a few scattered settlements and the occasional roaming creature. This emptiness adds to the game's atmosphere, making the player feel like they are truly alone in a vast and unforgiving world. The character designs in Death Stranding are equally unique, with Norman Reedus's character, Sam Porter Bridges, sporting a distinctive look that blends futuristic technology with practical gear. The game's otherworldly creatures, the Beached Things (BTs), are both terrifying and fascinating, with translucent bodies and ethereal movements. Death Stranding is a game that is not afraid to be different. Its unique visual style and its unconventional gameplay mechanics make it a polarizing title, but it is also a game that is unforgettable. The game's aesthetic impact is undeniable, creating a world that is both beautiful and disturbing, and an experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The game's visual fidelity is not just about creating pretty pictures; it's about creating an atmosphere that enhances the game's themes of isolation, connection, and the human spirit.
2. Control
Control is a visually stunning game that blends brutalist architecture with otherworldly phenomena. Remedy Entertainment has crafted an environment that is both eerie and captivating, with shifting corridors, distorted spaces, and surreal imagery. The game's Oldest House, the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control, is a character in itself, a building that is constantly changing and evolving. The stark concrete walls and the angular lines of the architecture are juxtaposed with the bizarre and unsettling events that occur within its walls. The use of color in Control is deliberate and effective. The game's environments are often bathed in harsh lighting, with red and blue hues dominating the palette. These colors add to the game's sense of unease and create a visual contrast with the more mundane elements of the environment. The character designs in Control are equally compelling, with Jesse Faden sporting a sharp and functional outfit that fits the game's tone. The game's supernatural entities, the Hiss, are both menacing and visually striking, with distorted bodies and ethereal movements. Control is a game that is both technically impressive and artistically ambitious. Its unique visual style and its intriguing narrative make it a standout title in the action-adventure genre. The game's aesthetic impact is undeniable, creating a world that is both captivating and unsettling, and an experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The game's visual fidelity is not just about creating pretty pictures; it's about creating an atmosphere that enhances the game's themes of mystery, control, and the unknown.
3. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is a visually distinctive game that combines painterly art with a gritty detective story. ZA/UM has crafted an environment that is both beautiful and bleak, with decaying buildings, rain-soaked streets, and expressive character portraits. The game's art style is reminiscent of oil paintings, with thick brushstrokes and muted colors creating a sense of atmosphere and mood. The world of Disco Elysium is a broken and cynical place, but it is also a world that is full of character and charm. The game's environments are filled with small details that bring the city of Revachol to life, from the graffiti on the walls to the discarded cigarette butts on the sidewalks. The character designs in Disco Elysium are equally expressive, with unique portraits that capture the personalities and emotions of the game's cast. Harry Du Bois, the game's protagonist, is a particularly memorable character, with a haggard face and a world-weary expression. Disco Elysium is a game that proves that visual beauty is not just about technical fidelity. Its unique art style and its compelling narrative make it a standout title in the role-playing genre. The game's aesthetic impact is undeniable, creating a world that is both beautiful and bleak, and an experience that is both thought-provoking and unforgettable. The game's visual fidelity is not just about creating pretty pictures; it's about creating an atmosphere that enhances the game's themes of identity, memory, and redemption.
Conclusion
The world of gaming offers a plethora of visually stunning experiences beyond Elden Ring. From the captivating art direction of Horizon Forbidden West and Ghost of Tsushima to the technical marvels of Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2, there is a game to suit every aesthetic preference. Games like Death Stranding, Control, and Disco Elysium showcase the unique visual impact that can be achieved through innovative artistic choices. Exploring these titles not only provides entertainment but also highlights the continuous evolution of visual design in the gaming industry. Ultimately, the most beautiful game is subjective and depends on individual taste, but the games discussed here represent some of the finest examples of visual artistry and technical achievement in the medium.
