In this writer's mind, there is nothing more beautiful in this world than a cel-shaded video game (I am guilty of purchasing games based entirely off of the inclusion of cel-shaded visuals). The vibrant colors and charming aesthetics bring a certain warmth to any video game world that is sadly not seen enough in a generation concerned first and foremost with gritty realism. It's sounds cliche and cranky, I know. But stereotypes don't appear out of thin air y'know. Here is a list of games that not only buck this trend, but do so using cel-shading in such a way as the visuals transform from just visuals into characters themselves.
Tired of grinding through dungeons non-stop? Want to take a break for once in your life? No worries. Check out the best PS2 action RPGs.
Didn't expect to see Drakengard in a list like this, considering the awful gameplay. Still, it's the best terrible game I've ever played. 10/10 would recommend
Would love to see a remake one day, but only if they don't censor the fucked up story and characters. That and a Drakengard 3 remake, of course.
Some absolute gems on this list. Wholeheartedly agree with Rogue Galaxy, Dark Cloud 2, Radiata Stories, Odin Sphere, and Devil Summoner 2.
Some others, I can't comment on because I've never played or I didn't feel particularly strongly about them.
But hot take: I don't think Kingdom Hearts II really survives the test of time.
I cannot recommend Rogue Galaxy enough. It is on PSN+ as part of the subscription, so definitely check it out.
SEGA / Atlus Holiday 2023 Switch eShop sale live featuring lowest prices ever for Valkyria Chronicles, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, and more.
Relive the golden age of gaming with these timeless video games. From Wind Waker to Monkey Island, get ready for a nostalgia-filled ride.
I'd put Street Fighter 2 over 3. 2 and all its different versions dominated the arcade scene back in the day in a way that 3 never did.
Ms Pacman?
Robotron?
SSF2 Turbo over 3 simply by the 10000000000's ports of the game we're still having
Castlevania SOTN?
Zelda Link to the Past over Wind Waker
Super Mario Bros 3?
Chrono Trigger?
Resident evil4?
COD MW2 (the original)?
Uncharted 2
Metal Gear Solid?
Here's my reasoning for all of them versus the list proposed in the article.
They are still quite enjoyable from start to finish on their original platform, unlike some Wind Waker or Okami that are fun when you play the remastered version (unless you call: forced to watch a 20-minute cutscene or have to blow for wind chance constantly fun).
Some of them are the pinnacle of what the console could do (MGS, Chrono, MGS)
Lots of them are still considered the go-to-go game for their genre.
This author sums up my feelings perfectly.
My friends and I just had this headed discussion over the proper use of cell shading. One of my gamer pals HATES the cell shading in Borderlands 2, but he loves games like Jet Grind Radio and Zelda Wind Waker.
I personally prefer cell shading that looks cartoonish or like "living art," such as games like Okami.
No Viewtiful Joe?
Fear Effect!
Don't know if those are indeed the 5 best cel-shaded games ever, but they are 5 kick ass games indeed. Should go ahead and make it a 6 list with Boarderlands.
@Skateboard (below)
Gravity Rush for sure.
Gravity Rush.