5 Games With The Best Graphics This Generation

PushStartSelect: "With this generation coming to an end, and a new one beginning shortly, we thought we would highlight some of the best moments this generation. Read more on our main article about our full week covering it all! Today we want to cover graphics and what we think are 5 games that really popped in terms of visual experiences. Like all top ten/five lists, we try not to pick the completely obvious so after reading feel free to chime in below about what YOU think should be on the list. I mean it’s only 5 games, of course we will leave out some."

[GamerElite]

Good list. Agree

[Thatguy-310]

When they say "This Generation" they mean console. Yea we all know that pc has the best graphics because your able to mod and all that. It's funny how even though there are more beautiful games on pc, console games always get praise and why because its more mainstream now.

[RXL]

how do you spot a pc gamer in a crowd?

start talking about graphics...

they'll let you know..

[Autodidactdystopia]

Great scott.

Just kidding. you know what im gonna say.

personally it doesnt count but i really like gta IV + Icenhancer + new cars. it looks tits. but its just a mod and since its PC it doesn't count because of it being too far ahead or in other words "another league" but most games on pc came out on consoles too they just look better than most con-exclusives and it wouldnt make much sense because then it would upset the system and there would be rioting in the streets.

Plus us Pc owners are snobs and all we care about is graphics because we point out flaws in the opposition.

I believe i speak for all of our kind when i say

Please forgive us PC gamers as we don't "try" to have better graphics than on consoles. It just happens effortlessly.

which is why we point it out when you guys argue about who's system is the strongest between the mainstream audience.

We hereby accept being disqualified from this "best of this gen" comparison because we know that if we complain we are snobs. And we dont want to pick on the little guy.

Ps I Like the last of us. Looks great!

[FlameBaitGod]

Weird RXL, I though PS3 gamers talked about how much better graphics are compared to 360. Must be my imagination.

[BattleAxe]

Good list, but instead of Gears of War which has mediocre graphics, I would have listed God of War 3 or Heavenly Sword. Heck, I think CoD4 and CoD: WaW were better looking games than Gears of War.

[NegativeCreepWA]

BattleAxe your so full of it, very few games look better then Gears.

[CryofSilence]

Battleaxe, I agree with God of War 3, but not Heavenly Sword (a beautiful game by all means). Gears of War is a great looking game, but it seems far out-leagued by the others (and other competitors).

[NewZealander]

i would have had rage on that list, and as good as gears is theres better looking unreal engine games, batman AC?
i was not impressed with killzone 3, some parts looked horrible, especially the jungle, gears 3 beats killzone hands down.

halo reach could have been a contender but they killed the look of the game with that damn motion blur.

overall good list, but would have been better if they replaced killzone with rage.

[ABizzel1]

No particular order, just top 20

1. Battlefield 3
2. Killzone 2/3
3. Uncharted 2/3
4. Gears of War 3
5. God of War 3
6. MGS4
7. Heavy Rain
8. Alan Wake
9. Gran Turismo 5
10. Forza 4
11. Flower
12. Crysis 2
13. Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time
14. Viva Pinata
15. Rage
16. Fight Night Round 4
17. Resident Evil 5
18. Mario Galaxy
19. Batman Arkham City
20. Final Fantasy 13

[thawind]

PC?

[BongSmack]

PC has the best graphics because it has (potentially) better hardware. Another advantage over consoles is the ability to mod.

[Irishguy95]

Haha, PC wasn't part of this gen since 2006. That's when it stepped up it's game beyond the console generation

[Edito]

Can you give a List of pc games that rival the best you can find on consoles???

PC is Good but where are the games??? The only pc exclusive that comes to mind is Diablo 3

[morganfell]

"When they say "This Generation" they mean console."

Graphical prowess is about far more than sheer resolution.

Killzone 3 has one of the best lighting engines this generation bar none and that includes PC.

MGS4 is still tops in the model department. The the Kojima Team went to extraordinary lengths ignored by other developers. Even matters such as the finger tips of characters received remarkable attention. The production values on that game topped anything else I have seen.

Ratchet and Clank is THE Pixar game first sought after in the famous Bill Gates/Seamus Blackley discussion on stage at CES in 2000.

[MuhammadJA]

@ dboyc310

You know what's funny, these console gamers think they have the best graphics ever when I'm sure that 80 percent of them haven't even played on a high end PC. Whatever. Let them enjoy their mediocre graphics and subpar resolution.

[chriski333]

Yes yes yes blah blah blah we all know pc has the best graphics chill out pc boy we all know no need for u to rage

[thoract]

Yes we all know the PC has the best graphics. But this article is not about PC games. I have a highend PC but the only game I played on it this year is Diablo 3. The graphics on console games are damn good considering the tech is 6+ years old. How much did you spend on the PC versus the cost of a console?

Despite having the best graphics I just can't play games like Uncharted, God of War, and many other fun games on the PC.

[MaxXAttaxX]

It is constantly changing. Slowly.
Consoles dictate generations with multiplatform games.

[Bobby Kotex]

This is a console circle jerk site, what do you expect?

[chazjamie]

its like crysis doesnt even exist. wtf!!!!

[Hatsune-Miku]

All five games should be on pc and if its only about consoles then all five should be on ps3.

Pc - bf3, crysis 1, crysis 2, the witcher 2, project car

Consoles- killzone 2, killzone 3, uncharted 1, uncharted 2, uncharted 3, gow 3, heavy rain, gt 5, mgs 4, resistance 3, motorstorm 2, motorstorm 3, the last of us, gow asc. And a lot of other games. When it comes to graphics pc is king but on console, ps3 is king.

[tachy0n]

PC and PS3 are the kings, it is basically the best combination u can ever get. ^.^

[makemyteapunk]

Gears, Halo 4 have as good a graphics as any PS3 game. Forza 4 looks better than GT5. Your fanboy is showing.

Rage is better looking than KZ and it runs at 60fps.

PS3 graphics are nothing special compared to 360.

[TheFirstClassic]

^
Rage is NOT better looking then Killzone, Halo 4 may be getting up to Killzone standards but as the years are passing it should be, it still isn't up to Last of Us standards. Gears is a great looking game but U3 is still better.

[milohighclub]

Can't do pc because The article is about this gen And pc enthusiasts around the globe will let you know As often as they can, pc's are generations ahead... /s

[belac09]

well said.

[Holeran]

@makemyteapunk

you are delusional.

[srcBFMVBMTH]

@cpayne93

"Halo 4 may be getting up to Killzone standards"

Finally right?!?!?

Halo 4 barely looks better than Killzone 2. lol A game that came out three years ago!!!

Anyways, yea.

I would've kicked off Gears of War from the list and put God of War 3 in.

[M_Prime]

I agree with makemyteapunk about FORZA 4 looking better then GT5.. and RAGE was a pretty game, but so boring.

I think the list is subjective too, about gameplay and graphics and not just graphics.

also I would like to say that i didn't find BF3 that good looking on consoles, i thought the COD games were better LOOKING.. but then again BF3 single player campaign was crap, but multiplayer was SO MUCH FUN.

and XBOX and PS3 multiplats will look similar because there is always one the dev will have a a standard and one that gets a slightly worse port. Thats why exclusives look so much better then a lot of multiplats, they can use all of the system power.

[masa2009]

Motorstorm doesn't have good visuals.
Neither do the Resistance games.
Not even in the same league as top racers and shooters.
I like Motorstorm Apocalypse, I own it, but it's not good looking.
Its emphasis is elsewhere, like 4-player split screen.

Gears 3 also looks way better than Uncharted 1, come on.
Basically, Microsoft focuses on very few first party exclusives, and Halo's emphasis is on large sandboxy environments, which puts a cap on visual quality.
So that leaves just Gears as the flagbearer for the 360. And it's about on par with Uncharted 3 (pre-rendered close-ups included).
Since benchmark games tend to be first party, Sony's more liberal publishing policy inherently helps the PS3.
Although from a non-technical standpoint, its exclusives are not always groundbreaking.
KZ2 is a good exemple. It's super routine.

[Jason143]

honestly I think metro 2033 is superb looking on pc.

[kikizoo]

Wow, look at masa, makemy and others total denial fanboyz...they are alawys believing that X360 exclusives can compete with best ps3 exclusives....even if reviews, players, and awards don't agree..

buy a pair of glasses, please...and a ps3, be a gamer, not a blind fanboy.

[darren_poolies]

@masa2009

Motorstorm has awesome visuals even the first one still looks amazing. Resistance/Resistance 2 don't look that great but Resistance 3 is really pretty. Also Gears 3 on par with Uncharted 3!? Pahahaha. Gears 3 is a good looking game but to say it is on par with U3 is just silly. Have you actually played Uncharted 3? After that comment, I think not.

[aquamala]

lol at the xbox and ps3 fanboys still fighting over tiny differences in the their graphics. time to get a wii u or gaming PC and play games in 1080p already.

[torchic]

they left out God of War III really? and put Gears of War?

just to make the article seem less fanboyish I presume?

[ninjabake]

Yes I assume that would be the case but if they truly wanted to be fair and 100% neutral they would list great looking games that are more of an art style than pushing realism a la skyward sword and Mario Galaxy. Just my 2 cents.

[masa2009]

God of War III has a preset camera, which helps the console tremendously.
And some levels like the gardens didn't look as good as the resr.

[thawind]

God of War 3 murders all Gears of War's in EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.

[andibandit]

God of war is so irrelevant in this discussion, with the same camera angle on everything it's not hard, hell it's like Double Dragon with 3D, not too impressed.

[cashrell1171]

If you know anything about quality visuals GOW 3 is the best looking videogame made so far... Followed by MGS4 , Both KILLZONES THENboth Uncharteds followed by Gears

[HammadTheBeast]

Killzone 2 had great gameplay, and while KZ3 doesn't have as good of a multiplayer, the graphics are amazing. The maps never cease to amaze me with how much is going on at a time.

[Tontus]

God of War III is still the best looking game on consoles by miles, nothing out now comes close and not even upcoming games look better. God of War: Ascension is going to be face-meltingly gorgeous.

[SPAM-FRITTER-123]

Correction - "5 Games With The Best Graphics This Generation according to a playstation user with no PC knowledge"

BF3 on PC looks better than any game on your list....FACT.I am a massive fan of MGS4 but it looks like a cartoon compared to BF3 on PC....I do understand that you listed very VERY!!! linear games YET Free roam Battlefield maps still win.

P.S BF3 is not a great game, i just thought i would mention that BF3 on PC will be what console gamers call next-gen and happily pay £500+ for there console of choice come 2013/14

[Kingnichendrix]

THIS CONSOLE GENERATION. Jesus get a hint its not talking about pc which goes up a generation every 8 months, compare pc's from 6 years ago and how games on them pcs would look like now.

[MaxXAttaxX]

He mentioned Gears of War. What makes you think he's a PlayStation only user?

PCs don't have generations. They constantly change, slowly. Consoles dictate generations with multiplatform games.

[corrus]

10/10 Awesome games

[aquamala]

I don't get how people think killzone 3 is a good looking game, yes I have played it about 20 hours. I think even Rage looks better, but oh a multi plat game can't possibility look better than an exclusive!

[-Superman-]

List:
Crysis
Crysis Warhead
Crysis 2
Battlefield 3
Metro 2033

Not only art, but it has AA and also, details textures... Blurry games has not good grahpic...

[metroid32]

Try Aliens CM and Assasins creed 3 they are technically the best looking games you can get on say ps3 with wiiu versions looking tons better due to 8190x8190 texture resolution alone.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

lol being fair to the neutral ground

[tachy0n]

where is crysis?

it took years for the competition and hardware manufacturers to catch up!!

LOL @ the SUB-HD low resolution textured, no Anti Aliasing games that are on that list except for battlefield 3.

[Rivitur]

The irony considering it's tagged and you can't talk about graphics without mentioning crysis.

[dragonyght]

5 Games With The Best Graphics "This Generation"
the key word here is Genaration witch generally apply to Consoles.

and UB-HD low-res textured, no Anti Aliasing pop-up lol im pretty sure all that scream Crysis

[Blackpool]

GOD OF WAR 3?

[TheFallenAngel]

For real best game this gen!

[taquito]

the witcher 2 ultra ubersampling -pc
crysis 2 dx 11 -pc
shogun 2 dx 11 -pc
metro2033 dx11 -pc
bf3 dx11- pc
hard reset -pc

there is NOTHING on that list that even comes close to the games i've listed, those games look great for 8 year old hardware no doubt, they look literally last gen compared to the games i listed

the top 50 games with amazing graphics would all be on pc till we even start thinking of adding in uncharted 3 or gears 3

@ biggc

agreed, i wasnt even talking mods yet, heck, skyrim on pc without any mods kills every game on that list, let alone once u start modding it

[BiggCMan]

Well there's one thing that beats all of those, and that is GTA IV with iCEnhancer installed, it's undeniably the best looking thing ever done in video games. But yea everything else you've listed is the best you can get when it comes to graphics, I could also add Skyrim with texture and graphic overhauls, it looks stunning.

[jjb1981]

Of course they would be pc because specs are always being tinkered with. Consoles don't have the luxury of specs being modified.

[chukamachine]

Lay off the crackpipe seriously.

Shogun2 isn't good enough for any list.

Metro is overrated, played it maxed out and did not impress me at all.

Best ones on your list is.

BF3
CRYSIS2
HARDRESET
WITCHER2

I doubt you've played Uncharted3 - Best use of animations,water physics.

Killzone3 - Looks great and ai is awesome.

I would not put gears or mgs4 on that list.

God of war 3 should be there.

[krazykombatant]

some one needs to lay off sony's ballsack, clearly you haven't seen shogun2 in ultra settings with some mods on the side.

[Allsystemgamer]

Um...shogun 2 looks literally like a real shogunate war...your obviously blind.

AND MGS4 is still one of te best looking games since 2008. It's in pc level quality.

[Eyeco]

how much do i need for pc to run those games , they look mind blowing especially GTA 4 ?

[taquito]

@eyeco

if you already own a quad core pc with 4-8 gb ram like most pc's from the last 4 years, you just need a mid-range to high end gpu, here's a few links at different price points, you may also need a larger power supply depending on the card you buy;

http://www.newegg.com/Produ... ($115) will run 50% of games maxed at 1080p, others will need to disable some high end settings like ssao and fsaa x4 ect.

http://www.newegg.com/Produ... ($170) runs most games maxed at 1080p, some will need to be turned down just a bit at 1080p

http://www.newegg.com/Produ... ($250) runs everything maxed 1080p

http://www.newegg.com/Produ... ($340) over kill for most games at 1080p, 1200p and will run 90% of all games maxed out at 2560x1600p

[nepdyse]

If its GTA 4 you plan on playing with the ICEnhacer mod, keep in mind its very CPU and GPU intensive. You'll definitely have to overclock your CPU to a respectable 4.5GHz to stay over 60fps. But if you don't mind playing at >30fps, which I'm sure you don't since you're mostly a console player you should be fine with a quad core at stock clocks and a high end gpu.

[InTheLab]

You're full of it with that Skyrim bit. If Skyrim looked as good as you claim, 90% of it's mods today would not exist..and yes I play Skyrim and all of those other games maxed on on my rig...

There's a little something called credit where credit is do. The article is clearly talking about consoles and we all know old tech can't compete with new tech...so ultimately, you're comment is pointless.

[MysticStrummer]

Free clue # 1

The word "generation" means it's a console article.

[ChickenOfTheCaveMan]

There are not really generations in pc gaming.

The guy was clearly talking consoles.

That's like whining that the Bugatti Veyron isn't in the 2012 best cars just because the writer didn't mention it was an average people list.

[prototypeknuckles]

good solid list but where is
crisis
prince of persia 08
god of war 3
battlefield 3

[2pacalypsenow]

BF3 is Number 2

[prototypeknuckles]

HOLY CRAP IT IS, how did i miss that, my bad.

[Moncole]

Crysis
Metro 2033
Witcher 2
Battlefield 3
Hard Reset

Skyrim with mods
GTA 4 with mods

[Blastoise]

Oh god the PC elitists are swarming

[Gazondaily]

They have a right to don't they when other fanboys keep singing praises for the same games like a broken record, pretending that their preference is the most superior?

[Allsystemgamer]

And the ps3 followers do exactly te same. Why should pc gamers be segregated?

Are you racist?

[omarzy]

That would be Gamist.

[xXBlondieVanHarlowXx]

Did you just call PC owners a race? lol i literally LOL'd at that. I wanna join this silly fight... hmm. Lemme see, uhm oh i got it

You're a race!!! >:(
PC gamers are people too.

[jerethdagryphon]

ps3 gamers mention on consoles or this conosle gen when they talk about graphics

pc gamers harp on and on endlessly about there system being upgradable modable more ram better gpu yadayada yada.

this list was about console games they threw a bone to elitists with battlefield, why not on pc at max settings it phenomenal.

pcs will have better tech and better resolutions but you know what i have a high end pc and i dont use it for gaming because i dont play online games and what i do play isnt on pc

[MysticStrummer]

Free clue # 2

The word "generation" means it's a console article.

[Qrphe]

@xXBlondieVanHarlowXx

They're called the PC master race for a reason lol

[ritsuka666]

Oh god the PC elitists are swarming ""

And the butthurt console fanboys whining here...

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Given they listed Uncharted 2 & 3 as One game slot I would have thought it would have made more sense to say Gears of War 1-3 given they listed just Gears of War which was improved on visually in each of the next games.

And I would kick Killzone 2/3 to the curb and throw up God of War 3 instead.

[A-Glorious-Dawn]

Killzone definitely deserves a place on there if we are talking consoles...

I would put God of war 3 in the place of MGS4 or Gears.

[ernsttco]

Out of all PS3 exclusives God of War 3 to me is the least impressive. I don't like the fixed camera. I would throw Infamous 2 as # 5. Open world game at times with a lot of chaos is more impressive then what GOW is doing.

[Knight_Crawler]

Killzone is 2/3 are the best graphic games this gen but at the same time the aomunt of content and gamplay took a hit becuase of the graphics.

What I want next gen a game that has triple the amount of content that Halo offers and superiror graphics like Killzone and God of War.

[aquamala]

Killzone 3 is one of these games that I thought looked damned good when I played it. but now I have a gaming PC, esp one that hooks up to the same TV, so many games look better than that, Dead Island, Spec Ops the line, Max Payne 3, Saints row 3... KZ just seems low res and blurry,

[kma2k]

Agreed of God of War 3 that thing sent my ps3 into super loud fan noise for the first time it scared the crap out of me. That game is pretty!

[Pandamobile]

Horrible list.

[SolidDuck]

Haha oh PC gamers. Stop throwing a fit in your moms basement and keep your sweats on. They said this generation, meaning console games. No no no, PC Max settings with mods, PC Max settings with mods. Ya we get it. But pretty good list, I would also remove mgs4 from that list for God of war 3.

[tachy0n]

a gaming PC can cost 2-3 times the console your mommy got you.. (no offense intended to console gamers)

how can you have that many bubbles? is somebody hacking N4G or something?

[Lord_Sloth]

I purchased my own systems with my own money from my own job, thank you very much. Your comment meant offense, no 2 ways about it.

His comment wasn't any better though.

[Allsystemgamer]

Theyre not throwing a fit. Pc gamers always get excluded from things like this. Ps3 gamers would do the exact same thing if no ps3 games were mentioned.

[Jazz4108]

I want to know what the average mandatory partial install is on the ps3. All kidding aside...#1 Crysis on 360 2. Gears3, #3 Battlefield3 #4 Rage #5 uncharted 2. These are my console picks as we all know the pc wipes the floor with our ancient consoles. I also was thinking of putting witcher on my list but I needed a ps3 game so I dont seem biased. Oh the arrogance on this site and yes this is satire.

[2pacalypsenow]

Pc's have no Generation . They are just Pc's they are evolving everyday because u can upgrade it anytime you want. unlike Consoles with 2005-06 tech games in 2011- look amazing you would not be able to play a game released in 2011 with 2005 tech and look decently good

[Hicken]

I think it's weird how people don't get this. It seems like it's so obvious. I don't knock people who tout PC graphics, but it's really not fair con compare a PC you can modify however you want to a console that's virtually the same from launch until retirement.

[BrutallyBlunt]

Why isn't it fair? You are just as able like anyone else to invest in a PC instead of a console that's essentially going to stay the same for roughly 5 years. The PC's will always keep the console fanboys in check whenever they feel like tooting their own horns about how powerful their console is.

It's funny how some people are against the popularity of smartphones because they make games too casual and aren't for the hardcore, when many times consoles dumb down PC games. The response time between a mouse and a console controller is noticeable as well.

The PC should always be the lead platform unless a game is designed around certain features only possible on that device or are made by 1st party studios that are obviously trying to sell the appropriate hardware.

[Imalwaysright]

Why isnt fair?

1st this is a article regarding consoles only.

2nd Consoles VS PC is like having a race between a Prius and Ferrari 458 and expecting the Prius to win. PCs are upgreadable and that is the only reason why PC games are superior graphics wise. You cant compare the work of devs that only have 512 mb ram to work, with the work of devs that have 4/8/16/ whathever GB ram at their disposal. Its just a stupid comparison in every sense of the word.

[insomnium2]

PC games get pirated to hell. All this knowledge about hardware and whatnot means people are also smart enough to save the money spent on HW upgrades by pirating the software.

All this talk about the supremacy of PCs is futile since most games cannot survive the pirating. Devs need money too.

I usually buy my games around 12-15 pounds from an online shop. I'm considering on buying Yakuza dead souls and The darkness 2 right now. They would cost me 25 pounds total. I just bought Totori for 15 pounds.

I get a legit copy of a game with a fraction of a price. All I need to do is wait a while and believe me with a backlog like mine it is more than easy to wait a while. Right now I'm tempted to buy Borderlands 2 but I'll get over it and buy it for 20 pounds in 3-6 months or so. I always play my BL solo anyway.

[Ducky]

^ You can (or rather, could) pre-order Borderlands2 on PC for less than 22 pounds.

There have been a few cases where games have suffered badly due to piracy (like WorldOfGoo), but most games that are actually made properly have been quite successful. AlanWake for example, fared much better on PC than the 360.

Doesn't really matter much though, since the topic here is about graphics.

[krazykombatant]

Let the war ensue of fanboys ensue

[StrawberryDiesel420]

I absolutely adore the art style of Demon's Souls and Dark Souls. I care much more about the art style of a game.

[Kurt Russell]

YES! First person who gets it, nice one. Graphics are 2nd when it comes to great art style, plenty of games have proven this during the generation.

[Donnywho]

Don't sleep on Square, they bring the eye candy with boss moves.

[jd666]

GOW 3 is the best looking console game this gen imo, it still has the best looking water on console imo

[Knight_Crawler]

Have to agree Gears Of War 3 was beast but not the best water - that goes to Uncharted.

[jd666]

Gears who? I MEANT GOD OF WAR 3!!! But u probably knew that anyway!! Gear of war 3 HAHAHAHA

[jd666]

I MEANT GOD OF WAR BTW!! (Obviously)

[palaeomerus]

No Witcher 2? No Crysis 2? No Rage? Bullshit list. BIG TIME.

[Iceman X]

Good list but Gran Turismo 5 should be on that list, i think Gears was on that list just because they needed a 360 game lol.

[BitbyDeath]

I wouldn't include GT5 cause of it's sprites.
God of War 3 on the otherhand should be included.

[Straightupbeastly]

1. Gears of war 2
2. Halo reach
3. Alan Wake
4. Modern warfare 2
5. Forza Motorsport

[InTheLab]

Modern Warfare 2? I think you mean CoD4...or really CoD2.

As for your list, if all you own is a 360, then it is a fine list aside from Gears 3 CLEARLY derserving a spot and Crysis 2 being the best looking game on the 360.

[GrahamGolden]

facepalm

[BigStef71]

You aren't serious I hope? Don't get me wrong those are good looking games but definitely not the best looking of this gen

[aviator189]

I respect your list, but....MW 2?? I think Crysis 2 beats that game up, shreds it, and eats it for breakfast.

[tee_bag242]

Epid fail. Clearly you only play 360 games.

[Knight_Crawler]

Bubbles for having Alan Wake on your list, loved that game and the graphics were top notch - here is hoping two can give us better game play becuse I felt like that is were the game was lacking.

[omarzy]

What are the criteria that need to be met to get on this list? There are plenty of games with great artistic value that look better than these games. Not to say that these games look bad, these are some of the best looking games this gen, but don't mix up pushing hardware limits with best looking.

[sdplisken]

1. The Last of Us
2. Uncharted 3
3. Killzone 2
4. God of War 3
5. Gran Turismo 5

[jerethdagryphon]

1: valkeryia cronicles
2: uc 2/3
3: kz 3
4 tlou
5:crack in time

[aquamala]

so how do you like the Last of Us? is it game of the year?

[mochachino]

Although I have a soft spot for Gears of War (it was my first next-gen looking game), I'd replace Gears with God Of War 3.

[InTheLab]

Overall..and I'm not going to play around here. You can't mash a franchise together just to make room for other games...I'm not saying that Gears isn't a good looking game. It just doesn't look nearly as good as the 5 games below.

1.Uncharted 3
2.Uncharted 2
3.Killzone 3
4.GoD of War 3
5.Heavy Rain

360

1.Crysis 2
2.Gears of War 3
3.Alan Wake...yes Alan Wake
4.Gears of War 2
5.Halo Reach

Wii

1.SMBG 2
2.MadWorld
3.Muramasa The Demon Blade
4.Metroid Other M
5.Epic Mickey

It would be redundant to list the top 5 PS3 games because the PS3's top 5 are the best looking games on consoles, in my opinion..

[Yomaster]

Crysis 2 definitely deserves to be on this list. Even on consoles, the game looks amazing, and has, hands-down, the best 3D gaming experience I've ever witnessed.

[GrahamGolden]

halo seriously ?
lol

[Allsystemgamer]

Don't like art style? Does everything have to be realistic?

[Coach_McGuirk]

ugh, i don't have the patience to go through and click on disagree that many times

[ATi_Elite]

OK they Put Gears of War on that list as a way to include Xbox 360 fans cause God of War 3 should be Number One then BF3, MGS4, KZ3, UC3! Hell you could even add Heavy Rain to the list too but hey Gears 3 did have great art style.

On the PC side:

Of Course the PC has Graphical Beast like: The Witcher 2, Crysis, Stalker COP, Metro 2033, Battlefield 3, blah blah blah but right now I'm digging the graphics of:

Firefall, Planetside 2, Project Cars, Takistan Life, Guild Wars 2, Tera Online!

We all may disagree on Best Graphics cause we all prefer different Art Styles.

[Plagasx]

Fail. No Witcher 2.

[lee82988]

Great list. I Think God ofWar 3 should've been added. Seeing that game had me thinking what's next for consoles graphically when the ps4 and the new Xbox comes out.

[girevik]

First time I saw Gears of War= mind blown!
First time I saw Uncharted or GOW3= mind blown!
First time I saw Crysis= Mind Blown!
I've experienced so many moments of pure eye candy this gen! I love those moments each gen where you're caught in the moment of just enjoying the beauty and creativity of videogames. I can't wait to have the same feelings next gen. This is what this hobby is about.

[Tontus]

1. God of War III
2. Killzone 3
3. Uncharted 3
4. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
5. Gears of War 3.

Runner up: Alan Wake, that game easily has the best lighting on consoles and has great looking dynamic foliage and environment effects.

[bubblebeam]

Alan Wake was beautiful. I like the outdoor sections when you are in the middle of nowhere, during the day. The scenery is magnificent.

The game only suffered from grainy indoor areas.

If I had to have in order it would be
1.Uncharted 2,3
2. Killzone 2,3
3. Gears of War 3
4. God of War 3
5.Crysis 2 or The Witcher 2.

I was glad that in 2011 and 2012 Xbox got some truly beautiful games in Gears 3 and The Witcher 2.

I still think that Uncharted 3 is king, despite what people say. The way it seemlessly put you into the game was perfect. At times I truly had to rub my eyes (no joking AT ALL) because I thought it was a cut-scene. Uncharted had the fast paced action done right, whereas Every Cod after number 4 felt to predictable, too many explosions. The Eiffel tower in MW3 was great TBH, can't say the same for the entire game though.

I am not putting The Last of Us or Halo 4 on that list as I have to play them myself first.

[IHateYouFanboys]

"Number One, Metal Gear Solid 4

This game is by far one of the absolute best looking games to release this generation."

no. just no. i stopped reading after this. there are many PS3 exclusives that look better than this, let alone multiplatform or 360 exclusives too.

[tubers]

I didn't mean to downvote.. it was by accident.

I totally agree with you.

[NotSoSilentBob]

What multiplat-form/exclusive to the 360 is even close? Take off the fanboy goggles too.

[remanutd55]

in my opinion
1. God of War 3
2. Metal Gear Solid 4
3. Killzone 2/3
4. Uncharted 2/3
5. Heavy Rain

[MightyPatapon]

God of War III has yet to be topped.

[remanutd55]

yes i agree, to me God of War 3 is the epitome of gaming this generation.
oh and i forgot to add Ratchet and Clank A Crack in Time on that list next to Heavy Rain.

[BigStef71]

In my opinion these are the best for ps3 360
Ps3:
1.tie between uncharted 2/3 and the last of us if it holds up till it gets released
2. god of war 3 and hopefully ascension too
3.killzone 2/3
4. metal gear solid 4
Also BF3 for ps3 looked really good
The rest could easily be ps3 exclusives like R3 infamous 2 heavy rain/beyond two souls LBP1&2 , etc.
If MGSGZ looks like it did for the trailer when it releases for ps3 then that will be the top spot no doubt.

360:
1. halo 4 is looking like the top one.
2. crysis 2
3. the witcher 2
4. gears of war 3
5. Alan Wake
6. Fable 2&3
Forza would prolly be on this list

[ajax17]

Anyone else notice how bad his spelling is?

[Adolph Fitler]

Wii is not even allowed into a this gen graphics king conversation.
And to the Xbot fanboy that is proclaiming Rage looked as good as Killzone 2 or 3.....Get a life clown, Killzone 2 alone buried Rage in graphics, & that is without running at 60fps, Killzone 2 & 3 BOTH still stand out as killer console graphics, & they released years ahead of Rage, & not only do they look better, they play better (which is stupidly crazy, considering a 60fps game should automatically spell better gameplay & controls), & Killzone 2 & the underated Killzone 3 are streets ahead as games as a whole, compared to Rage.

Now, where the hell is ANY of Insomniacs Ratchet games on this crap list, as Ratchet is not only THE BEST looking, playing & everything king of the platformer genre, but is easily one of the best looking games to hit any next gen console this gen.
Ratchet & Clank has 3 superb looking & playing offerings worthy of being not only on this list, but near the damn top, along with Unchartered 2 & 3, along with Crysis 1&2, & even the downloadable title Wipeout HD (which looks freaking amazing & was totally unappreciated by gamers, & also is one of the few 1080p x 60fps games this gen), & Wipeouts CHEAP Fury add on, actually changed up the original visual style & added even more visual fidelity & class to an already incredibly beautiful looking title.

So my list would go something like this.

1. Crysis 2
2. Ratchet: ACIT (as was last really awesome one is series)
3. Unchartered 2 & 3
4. Gears Of War 2 & 3
5. Wipeout HD/Fury
There are some games that equally deserve mention like all 3 Motorstorms, GOW3, Killzone 2 & 3, GT5 & Forza 4, Tekken Tag in 3D looks phenominal, even Kameo (even though a launch 360 title & played really crappy especially considering from RARE), Burnout Paradise (even though worst Burnout is series, apart from that crap d/loadable turd).
The fact is, that you really can't isolate this gen to just the 5 best looking games, as there has been so many AWESOME looking 360 & PS3 games, that justice cannot possibly prevail if just 5 games are listed.....As I have just proven, games that deserve to be on this list moreso, & if not, evenly, as ones that did make it. And if you don't believe me, get your a$$ onto the store & purchase WipeoutHD, or pick up a copy cheap of Ratchet:ACIT, get & play a wide selection of games & realise that more than just 3rd & 1st person shooters & street racing games are out there & looking if not as good, then f%$king better, than the mainstream graphics benchmarks that all the sheep sing the praises of.
Makemyteapunk is testament to what I'm talking about, as the 360 fanboy is arguing about 2 almost identical looking racers.....who cares if Forza looks slightly better than GT5, it is so close that one could argue GT5 looks better due to a slight preference in art style (which you may either have Maketea towards Forza's art style, or more likely based on your other comments, your just a fanboy b1atch, that hates all things PS3 & Sony)......settle down little girl, there just pretty much equal machines that serve us up, almost identical visuals.
So the debate is more an artsyle situation.

[Adolph Fitler]

I will say that a game that I thought would have to make the list, had a last offering that looked more like a N64 game than past offerings & that game was Sphincter Smell: Conviction.....talk about a different art style & bacwards step for a series that was a benchmark in visuals....Conviction honestly looked like a slightly better than Wii game, as opposed to it's ultra realistic looking, dark, atmospheric, games of past. It did offer slight improvements gameplay wise, in that it was trying to cater to a wider selection of gamer, & it went full cartoony looking, sell-out, dissapointment style, visuals.
But, off that & onto how many awesome looking games are out there on the ONLY 2 current gen machines (360/PS3 obviously). There are sooo many more than 5, it's ridiculous.
But, just as I called out a 360 fanboy for arguing over GT5 & Forza4 & his obvious disdain for everything Sony, as he undermined Killzone's awesome graphics, thanks in large part to art style, & the undeniable, undisputed FACT that it is peerless in the FPS world for the graphics it offered at the time & evidence is that ALL that aren't blinded by fanboyism, still know the game holds up visually, aurally, gameplayly & storylinely to ANY other console title to date.
As I was saying, I will also call out fanboys from any side, & Sony fanboys that have included Resistance 3 on this list, need a visit to an optomitrist for either laser corrective surgery, or removal of fanboy goggles, as I lurve the entire Resistance series & 3 is the best looking & best game in the series in general & even a better all round game than many games on this list.....but fact is that Resistance 1-3 will never make a best graphics list, as they were just behind the 8 ball when it came to graphics.....Resistance series is average to slightly better than (depending which one) graphically, & whilst far from terrible, they are also pretty far off other titles like Killzone, Crysis 2, & others.....They are more on current gen Halo type level.......in that they are far from groundbreaking, but have there moments & are more than serviceable. In fact, Resistance 3 is one of THE BEST fps gameplay experiences this gen (& playing it in 3D on my 64" tv is an experience no COD, BF, Crysis, or any other shooter has offered this gen. But graphically, it is not in the top 10 even, definately would make it further down my top 20 list, but 5 nup, 10 nope, 15 naaaa.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

Sorry I don't agree with this list but it's his own opinion so I respect it.

I think there are games on that list and not on that list that deserve to be #1 vs what's listed.

[DaLegendKiller]

what about art styles that are used in games like Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time or Rayman:Origins ...both are amazing looking games in my opinion and should be part of the elites

[NastyLeftHook0]

the last of us, uc3

[masa2009]

MGS4 is the right choice because nothing is pre-rendered.
Unfortunately, Gears or Uncharted can't say the same.

[Flewid638]

So pre-rendering something negates its prettiness?

Hmm....the logic is weak with you, my friend.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

For me my fav. looking games this gen are =

Uncharted Series, MGS4, Killzone 2 + 3, God of War 3, Gears of War Series, and Alan Wake!

Unreleased title that I know will be great as well = The Last of Us

[mistajeff]

It's a tricky list to make, for sure. Do you judge it overtly, or by the limitations of the platform it's exclusive to or leads on? Something like Battlefield 3 or Max Payne 3 on PC is unmatched by anything; yet neither managed to give me the feeling of awe that I felt while playing Uncharted 2 and 3 on PS3. MGS4 isn't a bad choice for #1, even if I may not agree. There's plenty to nitpick, yet visually, it adds up to more than the sum of its parts.

[byrnezy]

I love how people mention games that aren't even out yet... alas new Halo, Last of us so on...

Best looking games (imho) this gen that are actual playable

1. Uncharted 3
2. Uncharted 2
3. God Of War 3
4. Metal Gear Solid 4
5. Gears Of War 3

PC games such as BF3, crysis obviously look better but are running hardware that aren't even comparable to this gen hardware...

[Qrphe]

If this was a legit list, it'd Final Fantasy XIII and God of War III.

[Flewid638]

Where the hell is Kratos?

[claud3]

Do not agree with that list at all..

[DivineAssault]

God of War 3 destroys gears of wars graphics.. Uncharted looks better too.. Not that the game is ugly but its not as good looking

[thawind]

LA NOIRE

[BongSmack]

I'm trying to understand why Gears of War is on a best graphics list. Wait is this 2006?
Also seems strange that MGS4 is on the list and Crysis isn't.

[black911]

Gears Really LOL???

3 games that deserve to be up their
1.God OF war 3
2.Crysis
3.Gran Turismo 5

[brew]

God of War III is stunning.

[StreetsofRage]

I was more impressed with open world games like GTA4 or Skyrim. Games with small linear levels like Uncharted is nice but that doesn't impress me as much as it did earlier this gen.

LOL @ the Gears of War haters. Gears 3's graphics are way better than Killzone 3. Not even close my friends. But God of War 3 should be on this list.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

I feel Killzone 3 should have been replaced with Battlefield 3.

I don't agree with MGS4 being #1 and don't think it should be on a list of only the "top 5".

But it's only opinions and everyone has one where it's very seldom they are all in agreement.

[omi25p]

1. Max Payne 3
2. Uncharted 3
3. Gears of War 3
4. Battlefield 3
5. Forza Motorsport 4

[cyclindk]

Spelling corrections:

nutral = neutral

immidiatly = immediately

[jetpacksheep]

Great list, I like how you included lots of console games, because no matter the age of the hardware they still manage to impress visually.

[mayberry]

Agreable list. Love killzone 2/3 in true opticle 7.1 surround sound! and 3d too! Has to be experienced to appreciate the effort GG and sony put into the Killzone series! Any fps fan should play these titles!

[MYSTERIO360]

Its funny how 3 out of the 5 games listed are ps3 exclusives. But i think the title should be renamed "5 Games With The Best Graphics This Generation so far" as this gen isn't over.

Theirs still some great graphic games coming out like far cry 3, crysis 3, star wars 1313, tomb raider and the amazing metal gear solid ground zeros.

But if were taking right now
-La Noire
-God of war 3
-Killzone 2/3
-Battlefield 3
-uncharted 3

[user7792788]

Can people please stop saying GOW 3, i cant tell if your saying God of War 3 or Gears of War 3

Btw, WHY ISNT GOD OF WAR 3 ON THIS LIST WTF?

[Steadyhndz]

Anything that is Xbox 360 exclusive should not even be considered...

Uncharted 3 wasn't even nearly impressive

MGS 4....ehh they were decent graphics

BF3 and Killzone I can see being on this list, but there are plenty of games out there that surpass the other 3 games on this list.

[SaffronCurse]

Left out God of war 3 =(

[Kratos_GodOfWar]

God Of War 3 hand down no game has the best looking Character and Graphics then ghost of sparta the real game of the year for 2010

[PhunnyJesta]

The problem is "best graphics" is too general of phrase. Some better questions would be "best graphics on a technological scale, art style, and atmosphere."

[The_KELRaTH]

Well put! you only have to browse the replies to see that ppl's view of "best graphics" is quite variable.

[bayonetta]

why they forgot about those games o.O
1-Beyond two souls
2-crysis
3-god of war 3
4-Resident evil 6

[Tctczach]

Way to many brown and gray shooters. God of war beats mgs4 IMO.

[TABSF]

'5 Games With The Best Console Graphics This Generation'

FIXED

[sugadaddy]

They probably should have made a slight caveat explaining that the list appears to be focusing on console titles.

Would have avoided the argument entirely.

[Tzuno]

Good list but MGS4 should not stay close tho the others 4 games. That kind of graphic is not that spectacular.

[OniXRuleZ]

pc gamers make me lafe!!! why dont you compare ps3 or xbox against pc with 6 years? you have the grafics... ya true, but do you have the games? uncharted, gears, halo, killzone?
And you can steel buy laptops or pc whith less power than the ps3 or xbox 360, just to work and internet!

[TheF3AR]

It amazes me how amazing the first Gears of War looked. Now we are onto number three and the changes are dramatic. It's funny how Epic said they were pushing the 360 with the first but it looks like they were just getting started.

[ninjahunter]

Yes, Pc gamers we know. Your E penis is all mighty, but put it back in your pants. No body gives a shit after the 10,000th time. Grow some modesty.

[PurpHerbison]

The worst mistake I have ever made was building a PC. PC is on a completely different level than consoles graphically and my eyes have been spoiled. PS3 just doesn't look as good anymore. Now you are absolutely BSing yourself if you say consoles come near the PC graphically. Gameplay wise, they are ARGUABLY on par. The true feat is when the devs juice the outdated console hardware to produce "acceptable" graphics. Well, acceptable by me, but probably not the PC enthusiast. This is an extremely good list of graphically acceptable games on the current generation of consoles.

[mamotte]

-look at the color palette of all games-

Where did all the color go? This is kind of sad.

[Beastforlifenoob]

sgree with all of them

[nepdyse]

Killzone and Uncharted both games, with a distinctive and beautiful art style, and that's a fact. But fuck me the 6 year old hardware just doesn't do these games justice AT ALL. They look like shit because they run at an extremely low resolution. And so you have to sit 30ft away to not notice all the jaggies, blurry and low res textures etc. And this is a fact as well. Man do I want to play Killzone 3 multiplayer, on my 120Hz screen with <100fps at 1920x1080, and I am sure you guys do to, but you're too proud to admit it.

[BertlSenix]

INstead of Gears i would have added The Witcher 2
Even the crap console version looks thousand times better than Gears